So I was correct, it is a Silicone (RTV). Nice to know, NOT to put it on thick. I think a lot of people tend to do that because they want to make sure they get a good seal. I think i would opt for what you recommend - newer gaskets are available for a lot of assemblies that need no sealant at all, and provide superior sealing. Thank for the info. Vet
So...did you remove block drains? If not, your engine can be loaded with sediment that won't "flush" out without many rounds of flushing. That's exactly what happens if the block doesn't get drained. And with later-model Buicks not having block drains or even a boss that can be drilled 'n' tapped...you'd have to flush that thing a dozen times to get all the crud out. Or pop out a block core plug on each bank as a substitute for a threaded drain plug. Not near as convenient. I guess anything is possible, but that's not what I'd expect. Some folks just need to lay off the damned RTV Silicone. There's a dozen or more REAL gasket sealers--Gasgacinch, High Tack, Indian Head, Permatex #1, #2, and Aviation... and the list goes on. RTV Silicone is not one of them. Ideally, RTV Silicone is used INSTEAD of a gasket (it's a gasket MAKER, not a gasket SEALER.) Depends on the thermostat rating. IF the temp is more than 15--20 degrees over thermostat rating, at idle or cruise...it's too hot. The thermostat has lost control of the engine coolant temperature. Temp may go higher under load, but it needs to be totally reasonable at idle or cruise, so that there's some additional cooling capacity left when the going gets hard. I've heard of folks re-using them, with proper gasket sealer. "I" would get a new one--and install it with proper gasket sealer.
Less than $50 for a set of intake gaskets and proper sealant. It's a no brainer exercise. "for want of a nail..." For want of a nail the shoe was lost. For want of a shoe the horse was lost. For want of a horse the rider was lost. For want of a rider the message was lost. For want of a message the battle was lost. For want of a battle the kingdom was lost. And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.
