Gasket Sealer on Elbow Gasket - PCM 5.0

[Tsivak]

Dear All Nautique Friends,
I am replacing my elbow this winter. Can you give me your opinion on whether I should add gasket sealer to the gasket or just raw?

I would use high temp.
Thank you,
Tom S

[NautiqueJeff]

I do not recommend using sealant. It is important to clean the mating areas to make a perfectly flat surface. We paint ours before installation, but that is not really necessary. Here's what they should look like:



Be sure to use ONLY genuine PCM gaskets - part RM0002. It is extremely important to install the gasket in the correct orientation. The gasket should block the hole toward the rear of the boat. This forces the cooling water to cool the entire riser. Otherwise, the water simply flows out of the back (due to the tilt of the engine), and causes the riser to run significantly hotter than desired.

[Tsivak]

Thank you!
This is very valuable info!!

[teamseal]

Mr. Jeff may be mis informed about manifold preparation before gasket sealing. PCM highly recommends for good gasket seal to remove all paint from the mated surfaces. this by all means not a disrespectful post. i use a section of granite countertop that has been cut the same dimension as a 3m stick-it air file sand paper and utilize 100 grit to remove the paint. i have also used a large flat bastard file . once the paint has mostly been removed i use acetone and wipe any excess away. i also have cut bolts that have been slotted on the ends as alignment studs for mounting to the heads and keeping the gaskets aligned. again not disrespectful in this post.

[NautiqueJeff]

I always used to do it that way, with no paint, but I noticed that our lead mechanic who has many years experience was filing them flat, and then painting them. I asked him about that, and he told me that he has done that for years and has never had an issue. Not at all disagreeing with Jody. If anyone knows the correct way, it is him. And as I said, I always used to file them and not paint them too!