Mustang Solutions - Stop Engine And Driveline Leaks

Classic Mustangs tend to be chronic leakers, but they don't have to be. Leaks come from the absence of good preparation before gaskets and sealer go on as well as proper gasket and sealer use.

You must first begin with a perfect surface. No nicks. No irregularities. No scratches. You cannot seal an imperfect surface no matter how much sealer is applied. You wind up wasting time and sealer. This means you may have to have a machine shop mill the surface or you may have to replace the part entirely if damage is too extensive. Manifolds and cylinder heads require special treatment because you don't want to mill too much and wind up with bad geometry (and gaps) between cylinder head and intake manifold. Another possible option is the use of an epoxy resin like J-B Weld on pitted surfaces as a filler, then mill or block-sand in order to get them perfected.

Gasket material is also important. Some gaskets are poor quality and are going to leak no matter what. In our opinion, the best gasket out there for the money is Fel-Pro from Federal Mogul, available from Summit Racing Equipment. Fel-Pro has a long-standing history of being on the leading edge of gasket technology, which has come a long way, actually to where a leaky engine, transmission, or rear axle is the exception and not the rule.

It is important to remember how parts go together and how they are sealed. Automakers and aftermarket companies spend tremendous amounts of time and money learning what seals and what doesn't. Some applications require gaskets while others call for seals. The use of gasket sealer is necessary only where there are gaps or potential irregularities. Time and again, we see abuses out there, most involving way more sealer than necessary. Keep the use of sealer to a minimum. And if you see it oozing once parts are torqued, you've used too much. A sealer's job is to close gaps, nothing more.

Automatic transmission and engine oil pans leak mostly due to irregularities, including warpage and scoring. You can either dolly surfaces straight or replace the pan. Keep in mind that new pans may also be warped or damaged. Because cork and rubber gaskets are the only gaskets available for C4, C6, and FMX automatic transmission pans, use a very thin film of The Right Stuff on gasket contact surfaces for best results. Transmission builders generally don't like to use sealer. However, The Right Stuff has performed well for us on transmission pans. Just keep it very light.

Removable carrier differentials tend to leak due to improper assembly. There must be perfect contact surfaces. You must also use copper washers, which are soft enough to seal around studs and locknuts. Copper washers also perform well in terms of expansion and contraction. If you're going to use steel flat washers on a differential, use Permatex's Ultra Copper around studs as well as contact surfaces.

What Sealer To Use Where?

There are many schools of thought on the type of gasket sealer to use, and everyone has their favorite. Our advice comes from years of experience-what has worked best for us as well as shops we work with.

Sealer type and use depends on application and location. Permatex is a brand name we've used successfully for years in Mustang Monthly. And no matter what kind of Permatex sealer we've used, we've experienced great success given good preparation and use of the correct sealer for the job.

The Right Stuff will seal just about anything when used properly and sparingly. Elastomeric rubber gasket technology in an aerosol can, The Right Stuff is so good you can return your Mustang to service immediately. You can even use it instead of a gasket if you're in a jam. Temperature ranges for The Right Stuff are from -79F to +450 degrees F. The Right Stuff is available eight different ways, depending upon your needs.