Thread: Replacing the fabled "P" gasket

when i did mine a couple of years ago, replaced the gasket( cut my own from gasket paper, gave it a smear of non hardening loctite on both sides, you know the drill
, and replaced the rusted bolts.
haven't had a drip since.


john

Hi Stephen,

It's getting late (for me) and I've had a few reds. But tomorrow I'll dig out the good oil on this subject, including the new part nos, and get back to you.

Short answer - if you use the latest rubberised gasket you shouldn't need any goop.

Ian (who doesn't know where his 'signature' has gone)

Hi again Stephen,

The original paper gasket and passivated bolts were superseded by a rubberized metal gasket and galvanized bolts. The Parts nos are: new gasket PET100790 plus new bolts FC108247 (3-off) and FC108247 (1-off). If using this new gasket, no goo should be needed.

A few tips on replacing the gasket:
. If your coolant is still good, save it to a clean container. Remove the radiator bung (Which you should replace with a brass one if it's still the original plastic one. Same goes for the thermostat housing bung.) and put a plastic tube/hose down to the bottom of the tank. Then siphon out as much as you can.
. Remove the viscous fan with a 32mm fan spanner (ones for Fords fit).
. Remove fan shroud [This will be a pain unless you've previously cut it into two halves vertically. With the shroud out, cut it through at the top and bottom-most points (i.e. where the top and bottom of the fan pass). Drill a 1/4" hole about 1/4" in from each of the new edges. When the shroud is back in place, lace the two halves together with cable ties. It'll stay in place nicely and be much easier to live with forever after.]
. Before removing the fan belt, crack loose the bolts on the power steering pulley, as you'll need to take it off to access one of the P-gasket bolts.
. Disconnect battery negative cable, remove cables from alternator and remove alt.
. You should now have clear access to the four P-gasket bolts - three close together at the top and one down near the PS pump.
. I coat the whole of the new bolts with never-seize grease - threads and shanks. Also Never-seize all the other bolts on re-assembly.
. Put it all back together, including alternator and battery cables, refill coolant. etc.

Hope this helps.
Ian

Thanks for that.
And I think I know where your signature went, the same place as mine.
Due to system problems avatars and signatures were removed from all non-subscribers.
Steve

Before you take it apart buy new bolts aswell.The originals would be corroded and quite often one is snapped.Clean out the threads,the bolts can bottom out and it pays to use one of the old bolts with the head cut off to line it up.Use aircraft grade flexible goop on the gasket. Pat