I'm putting my engine together and want to know the best sealant to use in/on the different mating surfaces and gaskets. Because I've never been edjumakated to know any better, I've always just used the old blue RTV in most places, and the high temp stuff in other places.
I know there are a few different types of sealants that work better in certain areas than others do. I also know that there are some mating surfaces/gaskets that you shouldn't use any sealant on, but just the gasket alone (or so I've been told).
So, if you would, give me your input as to what to use and the why behind it. If you have a specific brand you prefer, please state that too. If you disagree with another poster here, please say so and why you disagree. It might be nice to have a "preferred sealant" list available for forum members to be able to print up at build time. So please post like this:

"For head gaskets, you'll want to use Shinola's red-123. Because of the pressures applied to a head, this stuff prevents blown gaskets and is easy to remove when you disasembe"

Also, please put in what you think about various gaskets you've come across. I no some are way better than others. Ex.: ("For valve covers, get the thicker rubber gaskets (they're a little more expensive). They don't need any sealant and can be removed/re-used because they don't bond/melt to the heads or valve covers. Also, they don't leak as easily as the cheaper, cork ones do. Rizzo's's XYZ35's have worked really well for me ")

Come on now, help with this list if you can. Any input is appreciated and thanks in advance!

 

Anyone? Anyone?

 

I use either the Ultra Black or "the Right Stuff" on gaskets, #2 or Permatex thread sealant on head bolts, nothing on the head gaskets.

 

I found this to be very helpful:
http://www.permatex.com/resource_auto_prodselect.htm

 

I use nothing on head gaskets, Permatex on most everything else and gorilla snot (3m super weatherstrip adheasive) on the oil pan.

 

Thanks ya'll!!! Now that's the kind of help I'm talking about!!!

 

Just checked that out. Awesome! That's definitely getting printed up. Thanks again!!!

 

 

That's a great resource. Thanks

 

Same here, Ultra black on intake gasket water passages and valley ends.

Permatex #2 on intake bolts and head bolts and any other bolt that might go into water. Probably use Permatex #2 on everything if you didn't need a jackhammer to get it off

Nothing on the head gaskets and nothing on the oil pan gaskets, use the one piece reusable one. Nothing on exhaust or valve cover gaskets.

Black or red ( red I feel is a little stronger but again the tradeoff is it is harder to get off ) on the fuel pump and timing cover.

Ultra black on the rear main seal

 

I was told that if you use fel pro's blue gaskets, you don't need any sealant. I do use a drop of silicone in the corners of the intake and oil pan gaskets. I like the gray sealant made by GM. You can get it at a GM parts counter. It seals very good and it doesn't have that vinegar/ammonia smell. On intake and head bolts, use permatex teflon sealant.