Sealing the bathtub ?

[Dave 572]

This is on a new 383 build with aluminum intake and iron heads.The kit came with fiber gaskets and the bathtub.Do I use the fiber gaskets too? Or, do I just use some high temp RTV on both sides of the bathtub and delete the fiber gaskets? The instructions say to use all the gaskets,but I'm getting differing advice.

What say all of you?

[dave571]

You will get a few opinions.

From the factory, it was the tin valley pan with sealer only.

I put them back the same way, with or without aluminum manifolds. No issues yet.

[ehostler]

Sealer/brush tack only. The fiber gaskets will give you lots of problems.

[JLM440]

Originally Posted by ehostler

Sealer/brush tack only. The fiber gaskets will give you lots of problems.

I run the fiber gaskets on mine, no problems..

[ehostler]

normally the fiber gasket raises the intake and it is a PITA to ge the manifold bolts in. Then when you do, you are pronne for leaks. Of course, if the block has been decked, or if the heads have been change, it will make them seal better than the pan alone.

Myself, I have never used the fiber gasket and have never developed a leak.

[pishta]

The thin paper gaskets are supposed to be used when you reuse the compressed gasket? Like the metal shim head gaskets, they are embossed to create a seal. Once it is compressed, it loses its ability to seal alone.

[ehostler]

That's why I never reuse the belly pan.

[Dave 572]

Thanks, guys.It is a new valley pan.I'll delete the fiber gaskets and just use some good sealer.

[451Mopar]

I use the pan alone with sealer too. The fiber gaskets always made the intake sit too high. Another way I have seen it done is to cut the intake part of the bath tube off and just install the lower bath tun with sealer to the lower part of the heads as a velly pan, then use the fiber gaskets between the head and intake.