Form-In-Place Gaskets

OVERVIEW
There are numerous places where form-in-place gaskets are used on the engine. Care must be taken when applying form-in-place gaskets to assure obtaining the desired results. Do not use form-in place gasket material unless specified. Bead size, continuity, and location are of great importance. Too thin a bead can result in leakage while too much can result in spill-over which can break off and obstruct fluid feed lines. A continuous bead of the proper width is essential to obtain a leak-free gasket.
There are numerous types of form-in-place gasket materials that are used in the engine area. Mopar(R) Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant and Mopar(R) Gasket Maker gasket materials, each have different properties and can not be used in place of the other.

MOPAR(R) SILICONE RUBBER ADHESIVE SEALANT
Mopar(R) Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent, normally black in color, is available in three ounce tubes. Moisture in the air causes the Mopar(R) Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant material to cure. This material is normally used on flexible metal flanges. It has a shelf life of one year and will not properly cure if over age. Always inspect the package for the expiration date before use.

MOPAR(R) GASKET MAKER
Mopar(R) Gasket Maker is an anaerobic type gasket material. The material cures in the absence of air when squeezed between two metallic surfaces. It will not cure if left in the uncovered tube. The anaerobic material is for use between two machined surfaces. Do not use on flexible metal flanges.

MOPAR(R) TORQUE CURE GASKET MAKER
Mopar(R) Torque Cure Gasket Maker is a unique anaerobic type gasket material to be used ONLY between the bedplate and engine block. The material cures in the absence of air when torqued between two metallic surfaces. It will not cure if left in the uncovered tube. This anaerobic material is specially made to seal the area between the bedplate and cylinder block without disturbing the bearing clearance or alignment of these components.

GASKET DISASSEMBLY
Parts assembled with form-in-place gaskets may be disassembled without unusual effort. In some instances, it may be necessary to lightly tap the part with a mallet or other suitable tool to break the seal between the mating surfaces. A flat gasket scraper may also be lightly tapped into the joint but care must be taken not to damage the mating surfaces.

SURFACE PREPARATION
Scrape clean or wire brush all gasket surfaces removing all loose material. Inspect stamped parts to assure gasket rails are flat. Flatten rails with a hammer on a heavy steel plate if required. Gasket surfaces must be free of oil and dirt. Make sure old gasket material is removed from blind attaching holes.

FORM PLACE GASKET APPLICATION
Assembling parts using a form-in-place gasket requires care but it's easier then using precut gaskets.
Mopar(R) Gasket Maker material should be applied sparingly 1 mm (0.040 inch) diameter or less of sealant to one gasket surface. Be certain the material surrounds each mounting hole. Excess material can easily be wiped off. Components should be torqued in place within 15 minutes. The use of a locating dowel is recommended during assembly to prevent smearing material off the location.
The Mopar(R) Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant gasket material or equivalent should be applied in a continuous bead approximately 3 mm (0.120 inch) in diameter. All mounting holes must be circled. For corner sealing, a 3.17 or 6.35 mm (1/8 or 1/4 inch) drop is placed in the center of the gasket contact area. Uncured sealant may be removed with a shop towel. Components should be torqued in place while the sealant is still wet to the touch (within 10 minutes). The usage of a locating dowel is recommended during assembly to prevent smearing material off the location.