Over the years I've talked to a lot of shade-tree mechanics regarding the proper gasket sealant to use on carbs, and the answers have varied from "none" to stuff you'll tear metal before the gasket will ever come clean.

Considering the large amount of carb work that seems to go on around here, I wanted to find out what the local experts use for their own projects. I've been thru the carb rebuild threads, but I didn't see a discussion of sealants.

Anyone want to share their best recommendations?

 

I've never used sealant on a carb. Silicone spray on the new gaskets will help keep them from sticking.

 

I've never used any before, either, but I've disassembled carbs that had, at minimum, the float bowl cover bonded to the air horn.

Anyone else care to weigh in?

 

You do not use any sealant when you rebuild a carb. :-)

 

I have never used any kind of sealer on carb gaskets. Way too easy for that kind of stuff to block important, yet tiny, passages.
Beyond the previously mentioned silicon lube sprayed on the gaskets, to prevent sticking to the metal parts, install the gaskets without any type of sealers.

 

Excellent, guys - -thanks for easing my mind.

Any specific brand of silicone? I use spray silicone on some of my scuba gear, but I don't think it would be appropriate here - - food-grade, probably aquaeous formula.