Heat exchanger gaskets

[Southern Pirate]

Should anything be used on the heat exchanger rubber gaskets or do I put them on dry?

 

[JHornsby3]

My radiator shop said dry. But I put a very thin layer of RTV on mine. Just enough to fill in scratches or imperfections in the mating surface.

 

[Spark600]

I put mine on dry.

 

[Southern Pirate]

ok, dry it is. I was just worried about it becoming brittle due to the sea water.

 

[scoflaw]

The larger problem is the gasket balloons with age and impedes flow

 

[Southern Pirate]

Do the gaskets need to be replaced each time the covers are removed?

 

[JHornsby3]

Do the gaskets need to be replaced each time the covers are removed?

At $5 I just replace them. I also carry a set in the onboard tool box

 

[Southern Pirate]

At $5 I just replace them. I also carry a set in the onboard tool box

Where do you get them for $5.00?

 

[JHornsby3]

Where do you get them for $5.00?

I found them online. I didnt bookmark the website but at that price each, I bought several sets. I researched the part number and found an obscure page and bought a bunch.

 

[Southern Pirate]

I found them online. I didnt bookmark the website but at that price each, I bought several sets. I researched the part number and found an obscure page and bought a bunch.

ok, thank you

 

[JHornsby3]

That is how I get all of my small parts. Makes it easier and lower cost than local rip offs. Usually half the price of local shops that way. And without their high and mighty attitude.

 

[Southern Pirate]

That is how I get all of my small parts. Makes it easier and lower cost than local rip offs. Usually half the price of local shops that way. And without their high and mighty attitude.

I hear you. I was looking for a pressure cap for my heat exchanger, crazy mark up for mercruiser. Another member suggested NAPA so I figured why not, 16 pounds is 16 pounds as long as the cap fits. Got it for less than $8, I can buy 8 from NAPA for the price of 1 mercruiser part.

 

[JHornsby3]

Local NAPA orders everything from the WM area DC. And they always get the wrong part at least twice. Advanced Auto or Carquest gets the AC Delco parts for pretty low cost. And have a marine part and a car part. But the marine shops are getting really bad with their mark up in the last few years. Here in PDX, if you need it now, WM is the only real choice.

 

[Southern Pirate]

Local NAPA orders everything from the WM area DC. And they always get the wrong part at least twice. Advanced Auto or Carquest gets the AC Delco parts for pretty low cost. And have a marine part and a car part. But the marine shops are getting really bad with their mark up in the last few years. Here in PDX, if you need it now, WM is the only real choice.

Thank you for that information, I will try Advanced Auto next time.