FIFTEEN Radiator re-assembly

Jan, it depends on what kind of material the gasket is made of. If it is cork, or other organic material, I would think that a thin coat of white grease would be the best. If it is rubber, either grease, or a very thin coat of silicone. Use silicone sparingly, because if to much is applied, it will squeeze out, and travel, and lodge in the tubes. Permatex #2 is another option.

Soapy,

Thanks for getting back. I used a "paper" gasket material, light blue in color, that I picked up at O'Reillys AP. Not sure of the thickness (1/32?) but it is not "paper thin".

Jan

I would use a coating of some kind of brush on sealer or gasket mounting spray. It's not like you're ever going to be taking it off again, and if you do, purchasing a new gasket would be the least of your troubles. I mounted the top tank on our 9U with silicone. Not as nice as a good gasket, but quick and effective.

The bolts do not need to be extremely tight, if you have a thick gasket material and overtighten, you can dimple the sheet at each bolt and make it harder to get it to seal next time. I would chase threads and use anti-sieze compound on all of the bolts just to be kind to the next generation!