By the way, who sold us on Hylomar as the stuff to use on the coolant seals. Recently did my 1st rebuild and applied it per Aaron Cake’s video. I did not like the experience as it dries to fast making it difficult to spread evenly. I envision my seals having different thinkness along the entire length now that the block is torqued down. Isn’t the seals suppose to make direct even contact to the metal surfaces?

I can see maybe using Hylomar to hold the seals in place, but on a future build I would dilute it w/ Acetone to a point it can be applied with a brush easily and directly to the housing’s seal channels. Then when tacky press the clean seals in place. Once in place, I would then apply a thin coat of RTV from the chrome edge to (and including) the seal as an added level of safety against leakage.

I'd like to hear your experiences, techniques, and/or comments.

 

Hylomar is just to hold the seals in place but there is easier stuff to get and use.

I use vaseline on the hard seals and springs.

I use Crisco on the soft seals.

Both are cheap, work great, and you can get them at the frickin grocery store!

 

Hylomar has been used for a long, long time.

Yes, it's a major pain to work with. The older Hylomar was better than the new stuff they call "Hylomar" these days which dries out quite quickly. It may be easier to work with if you apply directly to the seal groove, and then push the seal into the groove, then apply to the seal before you lower the housing/iron.

Hylomar is there just to seal any tiny pits in the surface and to keep the seals in place.

Some people use RTV but if you do, it must be used sparingly.