Engine rebuild gasket set & sealing a Subaru short block

[Dean]

OK, I bought one of the gasket sets because it is significantly cheaper than just the head and manifold gaskets.

But wow, it has seals and such I have no idea where they go and sure don't recall during tear down. Anybody ever seen a detailed breakout of what all is in the kit and where they go?

Also, there is no sealant in the kit, so what is the RTV or silicone of choice to seal the two halves together, for the oil pan and the few spots they appear to have used something on the heads/valve covers?

[cody]

I believe that Subaru sells a black RTV compound.

[Dean]

Originally Posted by cody

I believe that Subaru sells a black RTV compound.

OK, I kinda figured that, but what is in it? I'll buy the OE stuff if needed, but like air filters, oil or other fluids, OE is not necessarily best, or worth the price.

Dang, I am going to need assembly lube as well.

Justin talked about some great break in oil I have to check into as well.

[Kevin M]

Dean, I can probably help you figure out where most of them go tomorrow.

[cody]

Originally Posted by Dean

OK, I kinda figured that, but what is in it?

Here's the quote I was pulling memory from. It's John of subarupartsdepot's quote.

The pump gets sealed to the block using grey Fuji Bond. It is an RTV sealant that SOA makes for aluminum to aluminum applications. It is the same material used as an oil pan gasket.

If that doesn't help you, be sure to roll your eyes some more.

[Dean]

Originally Posted by cody

Here's the quote I was pulling memory from. It's John of subarupartsdepot's quote. If that doesn't help you, be sure to roll your eyes some more.

Dude, don't take your frustrations about your CPU out in my tech thread. Your latest quote is referring to a pump which I didn't particularly ask about, gray != the "black" from your original post, and most of all, saying Subaru sells something is kind of stating the obvious and justifies the rolling eyes, don't you think?

If you had said something like use DOW 1325 for pan, covers and pump and loktite 204 for the mains & heads or provided a link to a thread saying such, that would be useful.

[sybir]

Originally Posted by cody

The pump gets sealed to the block using grey Fuji Bond. It is an RTV sealant that SOA makes for aluminum to aluminum applications. It is the same material used as an oil pan gasket.

Dean, what part of that statement referencing the oil pan seal is unclear for you? Jesus, you ask a question that someone tries to help with, and all you do is bitch. Why do we even bother?

You're the one bringing in drama from another thread; it's not funny, it's not accurate, it's just grasping at straws for a reason I can't fathom.

If you want help, quit trying to one-up and the people who respond. Ask for help and be thankful for the advice, or look on a large technical board for the other 900 threads that have asked and answered similar questions. You have more free time than the people who are trying to help you. Use it. Black hi-temp RTV is probably an ok substitute for Fujibond. Try it and see if you want to be cheap; motor assembly is enough of a PITA that I'd tend to use factory stuff that's proven and recommended.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...sealant+to+use

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...hlight=sealant

[knucklesplitter]

Originally Posted by Dean

OK, I bought one of the gasket sets because it is significantly cheaper than just the head and manifold gaskets.

But wow, it has seals and such I have no idea where they go and sure don't recall during tear down. Anybody ever seen a detailed breakout of what all is in the kit and where they go?

All the parts explosion drawings are here (under the engine section):
http://opposedforces.com/parts/impreza/us_g11/type_5/

Parts listings for the engine gaskets set are here (click on the appropriate model year):
http://opposedforces.com/parts/impre..._and_seal_kit/

[Dean]

Aaron, thanks for the references and comment about the OE stuff, but give me some credit. I am not trying to one up anyone, but someone posting Subaru sells something is kinda silly and I am going to give them crap. Maybe the reference to the other thread was a bit over the top, but whatever.

I was hoping somebody who has actually done a rebuild like Scott, Kevin, Brian, Cory, Justin, etc... locally or worked in a shop like you, might actually contribute something technical to this thread and say what they used and possibly explain any gotchas or such they had with it. Maybe I should have been that specific.

And I did search and so far have not found anything that says which Threebond products the Fujibond is likely to be, even yours. I also recall the block sealant being black, whereas the rest were gray, so it is likely two products. Probably TB1104 and TB1207D respectively, but would like to be sure.

I am going to ask AIMS when I go in Wed. what they use as they probably don't carry Hondabond, Fujibond, etc... for every make motor they work on.

If they say use the OEM stuff, I will, but Subaru did not invent silicone or rubber sealants and likely OEM it from Threebond, DOW or someone, and they also may not use the best stuff, just what is good enough and cheap. I am actually not trying to be cheap, I want to use good stuff. If that is Subaru, so be it.

[Dean]

Originally Posted by knucklesplitter

All the parts explosion drawings are here (under the engine section):
http://opposedforces.com/parts/impreza/us_g11/type_5/

Parts listings for the engine gaskets set are here (click on the appropriate model year):
http://opposedforces.com/parts/impre..._and_seal_kit/

Sweet, thanks.

[sybir]

Yep - any reputable shop I've dealt with is primarily doing Scooby stuff, so uses Fujibond for oil pans and valve cover gaskets because it's not that expensive and works. Hi-temp RTV should work in a pinch.

[sperry]

I just used the stuff AIMs recommended: Permatex "Right Stuff". It's cheap and available at your local Kragen.

For assembly lube, Robert at AIMs just gave me a bottle of the stuff they use when I picked up my motor. I don't remember the brand.

Frankly, if you're going to be at all picky, just get the stuff Subaru recommends straight from the dealer. But for the most part, RTV is RTV... as long as it meets the temp requirements and is designed for automotive engine use, it'll probably be just fine. The mating surfaces you're working with are all going to be smooth and clean... it'll be hard not to get a good seal w/ any RTV.

[Dean]

Just doing some more research on this. Threebond 1215 is not an easy find at small retail quantities.

Also found interesting info on aerobic vs. anaerobic curing.

Last, found this Subaru tech article...

Note very limited recommendation for use of "fujibond"

It looks like the 3M T-3 Silicone (black) #08670 is the duct tape of sealants with Loctite/Permatex #599 Ultra-gray a close second. Except, the 3M appears to be more impossible to find than the Threebond

Look at the first row... "Bearing Cap #5", Is that the rear main seal? I don't think you silicone the main bearing down, do you? I know it is the thrust bearing, but that would be very weird.