Hot Rods SBC Assembly

Hello - glad to join the group and this is my first post. I am working on my first project car and I purchased a 1968 SBC engine that had been rebuilt and repainted. I am gradually ***embling the parts to complete the engine. Question, when I am installing the new waterpump do I need to remove the engine paint where the water pump mounts or will a little blue RTV with the gaskets work? Thanks.

 

I always take those areas down to bare metal. I like using the red spray adhesive to hold the gasket in place. Don't need to use the blue RTV in my opinion.

 

I agree, bare metal and no RTV! Make sure everything is clean on ***embly.

 

Blue RTV clashed with the Chevy orange so badly they went to black.

 

RTV is good for a few things on an engine, such as the ends of the intake manifold, but it's not really the best gasket sealer. Aviation type gasket sealer is good, or something kind of adhesive. The paint won't really hurt anything, but most of us take it off anyways, just because.

 

Use black high temp RTV.....not as slimy. Just my $.02

 

I really appreciate the feedback. Should I use a die grinder or file? Also, any smart tricks to keep the debris from getting into the engine?

Thank you.

 

Use a gasket s****er, chances are a die grinder will 'dig in' and screw up the surface. Just make sure it is clean, dry and smooth...there is some good advice on the previous post(s).

 

Your over thinking things. Gascacinch and go. If you gotta go to bare metal, use a razor blade or gasket s****er.

 

Also run a tap through all the treaded holes to clear paint and debris. JW

 

Use a real thin coat of Ultra Grey and don't forget to coat the threads of the water pump bolts.

 

Was going to say...I've used anti-seize; on anything that is in the damp environs.

 

Thank you all for your input, this is really helpful.