Non-Drying Gasket Sealant

Sep 24, 2018
3,275
Catalina 30 MKIII Chicago
I was happy to discover that #2 sealer didnt dry... or so I thought. I pulled my power head off this year and found that the sealant had dried out or evaporated leaving me with a ripped up gasket. Does anyone know of a gasket sealant that doesnt dry? It'd be nice to not have to scrape and replace gaskets
 

capta

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Jun 4, 2009
4,907
Pearson 530 Admiralty Bay, Bequia SVG
In what application are you needing to re-gasket so often that this is really a problem. I know it's a crappy job, but still, every 6 to 10 years?????
You might try Permatex® Aviation Form-A-Gasket® No. 3 Sealant Liquid
Category: Gasket Sealants
Slow-drying, non-hardening brush-top sealant approved for use in aviation as well as automotive applications. Temperature range -65°F to 400°F (-54°C to 204°C); resists gasoline, oil and grease.
 
Sep 24, 2018
3,275
Catalina 30 MKIII Chicago
The water pump on a OMC Saildrive requires removing the powerhead, two adapters and impeller housing. Two large gaskets and one smaller one. It's essentially an outboard. Best practice would be to change impeller every year. Permatex's description for #2 and #3 are virtually identical. Maybe the word "aviation" justifies a higher price??
 
Jan 4, 2006
7,161
Hunter 310 West Vancouver, B.C.
Permatex's description for #2 and #3 are virtually identical. Maybe the word "aviation" justifies a higher price??
Exactly. Both come from the same drum but the aviation is probably double the price.

Never had a problem with gaskets used at lower temperatures. The #2 remains soft but still sticks. Always seems to easily wash away with alcohol so no scraping gasket surfaces.
 
Sep 24, 2018
3,275
Catalina 30 MKIII Chicago
Is there any harm in using unused 30 year old paper gaskets? It'd be nice to get this motor back together tonight