can i use automotive RTV gasket dressing for use between the cylinder head and the upper half where the cooling water flows? The shop i go to recommends 3M 1211 but that stuff is $17 and the RTV dressing is $4

1100 WaveVenture

Sounds like problems waitig to happen to me. SBT uses copper coat gasket adhesive which can be gotten at auto stores. Loc-tite make some too in a spray can by I used the canned liquid version made by K&W which I got at Car-Quest. Pep Boys probable has some of the same. You put it on the metal and then place the gasket.

I use Copper Gasket spray on the gaskets. 1211 is used to put the cases back together - no gasket there. If you using new gaskets you really don't have to use anything - but Copper would be a little insurance.

I only clean the metal with Acetone.

On cars I have used RTV never on a ski.

If the surface is properly prepared, the answer is YES.

I have used Permatex ultra black many times in 1100/1200 apps.(most of the time without a gasket at all)