For the heater hose nipple and sensor(s) which is the preferred method:

Teflon tape or teflon paste?

I have the please of doing this with the engine out of the car. I really really really do not want to fix leaks once this engine is in the car. Any other suggestions/tips aside from making sure the t-stat seal is seated in the housing?

-Zach

 

The begi reroute recommended permatex. i used the original permatex, which is permatex 1.

NO IDEA how it seals yet, but i'd be very surprised if it leaked from anywhere i sealed with this ****.

 

I know on my begi, the only place it doesnt leak is the threads where I used teflon tape. Just made sure to not put them on the first couple so its less likely to get pulled into the coolant system. But, **** the paper gaskets sideways with a circular saw blade.

 

I'm pretty damn sure I wont have any issues with the permatex, those threads were sealed and the stuff hardens up quite a bit when it dries. Plus it's made for **** like that.

The paper gaskets on the other hand you have me concerned about. I didn't put any RTV or anything on them, and torqued them tight and evenly as recommended.

I'll be so angry if they leak, lol. Such a PITA to get back there.

 

I used Permatex thread sealant. I also used dry Mazda OEM thermostat gaskets on both sides of the BEGI spacer. Torqued evenly by the book. No leaks whatsoever.

 

I stopped using parts store gaskets a while ago. I've NEVER had a "stick-on" gasket ever work properly on any application I've ever been unfortunate enough to try it on.

+1 on OEM Mazda gaskets too. If I'm feeling particularly saucy, Permatex RTV (or Hylomar) FTW

 

I am using Fel Pro gaskets for both sides of my BEGI spacer and have not had any issues. They were not stick on ones though, just a pain in the *** to get all aligned behind the head with the engine in the car.

 

I figured if BEGI included them in their kit, then they should work. I probably shouldn't assume. Time will tell, hopefully getting her running this weekend.

 

For threads, tape. Easier, less messy, seals better.

For gaskets, I always use Indian Head shellac. Dad used it for years, never any problems, so I continued with what works. One bottle will last you a lifetime.

 

The instruction says to use teflon tape for the ports... however the barb with an o-ring....nothing was mentioned

http://www.949racing.com/mtuned/M-Tu...route_Inst.pdf

 

Paste. Everywhere we tried Teflon tape didn't take long to start leaking. Paste has been good after multiple track days.

YMMV

 

Teflon paste? I forgot that stuff existed. Good call...

 

That's what the Permatex thread sealant is.

 

Just to throw another opinion in, I've been using some yellow goop sold for sealing steam pipes I picked up at Lowes. Sort of like the teflon paste but says it's designed for high heat applications, and stays fairly soft for a very long time. I've never had a problem with it leaking on coolant or oil ports.

As for the gaskets, I just used autoparts store paper gaskets with a thin layer of RTV and haven't ever had a problem. I've always used this approach for all coolant system paper gaskets.

 

This stuff?

I friggin' love this stuff.

I used to use the version of this yellow stuff that comes on a roll. It's the only thing I've seen that specifically states that its oil/water/fuel safe, other than the above sealant. Looks like this:



Works great, but I prefer the Permatex product on anything other than stainless these days. For stainless, I still use the tape. There seems to be far less galling on SS threads

 

Yep.

 

I used this stuff:



Will report back when the car has seen some miles. Seems like it sealed good though from looking at it, lol.

 

Fireindc, that's the equivalent of the Indian Head shellac. Different brand is all.