In a message dated 4/4/2008 8:53:51 PM Pacific Daylight Time, CBarber@TexasAttorney.net writes:
However, if I don't find some, is it really
needed? Again, no mention in the shop manual. Thus I would assume it has
just become "conventional wisdom" as one more good idea.
As far as holding the "O" rings in the grooves during assembly, just about anything works just fine. Vasolene is good untill the room gets warm then it turns to oil and holds nothing at all.
Then there is the legs or, the sealing of the aluminum castings from the outer water ring down to the pan rail.
There is your Holomar or silicone, or permatex or whatever you like for sealant. If you forget that operation, the engine will weep oil at each junction untill it is disassembled and done right.
So it isn't just Holomar, but it has to be something, and Holomar works great. Thins with alcohol and dosn't turn up in the pickup screen in big goobers.
I use 100% GE silicone II, from any source, in a caulking gun. Put it on your finger and spread it along the surface to be sealed.(from the water "O" ring to the pan rail).
I put a microscopic line in the bottom of each "O" ring groove to glue the rings in place.
But nothing is required to add sealing. Just anything to hold the rings in place during assembly. For example, if the ring is held in the groove by gravety, nothing is added.
You still must goop up each leg from the water groove to the pan rail. with sealant, So half of the rings need something to hold them in place, and half don't. Even the "O" rings along the upper dowel holes.
Holomar is sold anywhere Loctite brands are sold. Hose shops. Driveline pump and compressor shops.
Lynn E. Hanover