I'm wondering if alfas are notorious for oil leaks, why are we buying the same gaskets from Italy as original instead of improving on a system that obviously fails? Maybe permatex, silicone?
Yes, Alfas are notorious for leaking oil. It isn't so much the composition or design of the gaskets; it's more:
- These engines weren't machined on cnc equipment like modern engines. Things just don't fit together as well and the surfaces aren't as smooth as on 21st Century engines.
- After 40 years, the surfaces where the lip seals contact are worn. This is a particular problem on the crankshaft pulley. You can use an Chicago Rawhide collar at that point, but other areas defy a solution.
- Aluminum expands more than a cast iron. So while your old Pontiac might have been relatively leak-free, your all-aluminum Alfa is tougher to keep sealed.
- Installing some of the seals is a bit of an art. Like the "cigarette" seals at the rear main and the O rings at the head gasket that 34acd mentioned. So your engine may not have leaked after the factory assembled it, but its old enough that it's most recent rebuild was probably done by non-factory personnel.
Gasket sealant, yes. Silicone, only in very thin applications - that stuff is better for fishtanks.