Procedures

GENERAL
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. 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 joint.

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 flat plate if required. Gasket surfaces must be free of oil and dirt. Make sure old gasket material is removed from blind attaching holes.

FORM-IN-PLACE GASKET APPLICATION
Assembling parts using a form-in-place gasket requires care but it's easier than using precut gaskets. Gasket 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 the material off.
Loctite 18718 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 towels. Components should be torqued in place while the sealant is still wet to the touch (within 10 minutes). Again, the use of a locating dowel is recommended during assembly to prevent smearing off material.

MOPAR TORQUE CURE GASKET MAKER
Mopar 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.