Form-In-Place Gaskets

FORM-IN-PLACE GASKETS
There are several places where form-in-place gaskets are used on the engine. DO NOT use form-in-place gasket material unless specified. Care must be taken when applying form-in-place gaskets. 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 area (Mopar (R) Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant and Mopar (R) Gasket Maker). Each has different properties and they cannot be used interchangeably.

Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant
Mopar (R) Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant, normally black in color, is available in both three ounce tubes and four and one-half ounce power tubes. Moisture in the air causes the sealant material to cure. This material is normally used on flexible metal flanges. The regular tubes have a shelf life of one year and the power tubes a two year shelf life, and will not properly cure if over-aged. Always inspect the package for the expiration date before use.

Mopar Gasket Maker
Mopar (R) Gasket Maker, normally red in color, is available in six-cc tubes. This anaerobic type gasket material cures in the absence of air when squeezed between smooth machined metallic surfaces. It will not cure if left in the uncovered tube. DO NOT use on flexible metal flanges.

SURFACE PREPARATION
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.

Scrape or wire brush all gasket surfaces to remove all loose material. Inspect stamped parts to ensure that gasket rails are flat. Flatten rails with a hammer on a flat plate, if required. Gasket surfaces must be free of oil and dirt. Be sure the old gasket material is removed from blind attaching holes.

GASKET APPLICATION
Assembling parts using a form-in-place gasket requires care.

Mopar (R) Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant should be applied in a continuous bead approximately 3 mm (0.12 inch) in diameter. All mounting holes must be circled. For corner sealing, a 3 or 6 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 ten minutes). The use of a locating dowel is recommended during assembly to prevent smearing the material off location.

Mopar (R) Gasket Maker should be applied sparingly to one gasket surface. The sealant diameter should be 1.00 Nm (0.04 inch) or less. Be certain the material surrounds each mounting hole. Excess material can be easily 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.