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I'm going to be installing a new fuel gauge sender and pick-up in my fuel tank. I have ethanol safe rubber gaskets for both. Should I also use a gasket sealant and if so, any recommendations? It was hard to tell if the original gaskets had any sealant as the ethanol didn't leave much material left other than a bit of goo.

Are you gaskets rubber or cork or other composition?

I have rubber for both and cork for the sender. I'm planning on using the rubber ones as I think the ethanol will kill the cork in short order. Both rubber gaskets have been represented as ethanol safe.

MOST SEALANTS, SILICONE, TURN TO A GOOOO WHEN IN CONTACT WITH GASOLINE. MAKE SURE THE SEALANT YOU USE IT SUITED FOR CONTACT WITH GAS. I WOULD USE THE RUBBER GASKETS AS LONG AS THEY ARE ALCOHOL RESISTENT.
BOB

Thanks Bob. I know about the sealants, I'd have to ask at the local parts store as everything I have in the cabinet says not to use with gasoline. With the bad leaks I had from the rotting gaskets, I don't know if new gaskets alone are enough. In past, I've had a habit of putting a thin layer of sealant on both sides of gaskets and have had very good results. I'd rather do it once....

Rubber seals will slip and ooze (Move around) between the two parts they are between when you add sealants to their surfaces. They were designed to be used without additional sealants. There are fuel resistant adhesives that can be used to temporarily hold them in place. If you can get by without them then that is the best way to go. Cork has a tendency shrink with age so I feel added sealants will only offer protection before the shrinkage occurs. I would only use a fuel resistant adhesive on one side if I had trouble keeping the gasket in position or had irregularities in the mating surfaces that will not clean up.

Thanks Wes! Wasn't planning to use the cork anyway.