Like to hear everyone's take on installing coolant seals, (tricks, etc.). My s4 6-port stock rebuild lasted 60k and popped two of them. I used stock and didn't put the little stainless guards in, and that's where they blew. Thinkin' i will add them this time and maybe some kind of sealer.

What do you guys think? Don't want to take it back apart for awhile!

 

Look at the FSM

 

Make sure to thoroughly clean out any rust from the engine/cooling system, make sure the coolant seal channel walls are roughly equal thickness at the top of the plates to the bottom [bottom is usually where it thins out]

I've been told that the inserts don't help...

I also like water wetter type products for extra cooling/rust protection.