Do I need an adhesive to replace the head gasket on my (3.3) 2003 Dodge Caravan?

Asked by Grillhippie Aug 18, 2013 at 01:59 PM about the 2003 Dodge Caravan SE FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Some people are telling me I need to use an adhesive on my head gasket (NOT valve cover).  Others say no.  It's a 3.3 v6, on a 2003 Dodge Caravan.  It was loosing coolant, and the garage said they would only replace the engine, because it must be warped.  I opened it, myself, and there is no warpage whatsoever (those clowns never even opened it).  Now I need to reseal it.  It's a (new) steel gasket.  Do I need an adhesive or not?

4 Answers

no....no adhesive...could use a spray of red-stick-em just to hold it in place, but the thing will seal to 3000 pounds or more...do you think a little chicken snot will prevent it from leakin'.....no...get 'er clean and aligned to the pins.....you COULD set a machinsts straight edge X-ways to look for warpage on the head...get it hot-tanked and possibly fitted with new valve seals~

1 people found this helpful.
Best Answer Mark helpful

That's precisely what I thought (especially the chiken snot). Not encouraged by my local “experts." Wanted to hear from a more reputable source. I have it cleaned and ready... Checked vertically, horizontally and X-wise, without a hint of warpage. Thanks a lot, brother. PS: I'm also a Roy.

judge_roy_bean was an evil man...the "hangin' judge who's decisions shaped the entire southwest~....Texas...people were afraid of being hung by the hangin' judge...do like Walter Brennan's portrayal as the judge in "the Westerner" with Gary Cooper---1941

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