Form-In-Place Gaskets

FORM-IN-PLACE GASKETS
There are numerous places where form-in-place gaskets are used on the engine. Care must be taken when applying form-in-place gaskets. 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, a continuous bead of the proper width is essential to obtain a leak free joint. Two types of form-in-place gasket materials are used in the engine. Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant and Mopar Gasket Maker, (anaerobic) each have different properties and cannot be used interchangeably.

CAUTION: Silicone sealer and anaerobic sealers each will inhibit the cure of the other and care should be taken to keep usages separated as much as possible.

Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant - or equivalent, normally black in color, is available in three ounce tubes. Moisture in the air causes the Mopar 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 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. It is normally red in color. The anaerobic material is for use between two machined surfaces. Do not use on flexible metal flanges.

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.

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 to remove all loose material. Inspect stamped parts to ensure 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 is easier than using precut gaskets.

Mopar Gasket Maker material or equivalent - 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 location.

The Mopar 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 towels. 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 of material off location.