Front cover RTV questions
 

I was considering installing the front cover on my 20b with no gasket in order to get more crush on the front iron -> front cover o-rings.

I found this thread:

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...et-rtv-940406/

which described many reasons not to do it, however I don't need to retain a working OMP. Unfortunately, this doesn't have a procedure for actually doing it using RTV and any other mods or considerations.

Does anyone have a procedure for installing using RTV only that they would like to share?

Also, I seem to recall people cutting a thin circle gasket about the size of the front cover passage to act as a backup for the nylon ring when installing without the original gasket. Can anyone confirm doing this or give some specs on what they've used?

Thanks

Buy the Rx8 one and be done with it.

I fitted my front cover using both a gasket and RTV. I was told that way I should be able to remove the cover and be able to reuse the gasket as it would stick and break as easily.

I coated the mating surface with RTV and waited 2 min before putting the gasket on, I then added RTV onto the gasket and waited 5 min before putting the front cover on and bolting it down.

No leaks yet.

I absolutely would use a metal front cover gasket..... you're asking for trouble using just RTV. Not an area I'd want to screw around with potential leaks for obvious reasons :)

Or just use the RX-8 metal gasket. It is reuseable, it will not leak, and if oil pressure does manage to spread the front cover away a little, the gasket isn't going to disappear like an O-ring will, so you never lose oil pressure, keeping your engine alive.

I have had an O-ring disappear when using just an O-ring and RTV. I found the O-ring in the oil filter pedestal. Unfortunately it was too late and all of the engine bearings were trash - engine made a max of about 20psi pressure.

I'm super cheap, and I spend the $11 or $16 or whatever it is for the part. Cheap insurance!

IF you use The Right Stuff it would work Great. I use it to seal my oil pans and never have any leaks. Even with a motor making 500+ hp and still no leaks
I have used the mazda factory paper one using copper gasket spray on both sides installing when tacky. Ive dont this for the past 8 years with no issues on any motor.
The newer gasket is a cleaner install for sure