RTV is not the best for the job

[97grandprix1]

I figured I would share a tip with the you engine guys, tho some already know. Time and time again you go to the tool box for rtv and discover it is almost all cured inside the tube, after digging with a screw, the end of a file or a small drill bit you get just enough to tac the gasket on and $6 in wasted rtv goes in the trash.


So use 100% silicone! As far as I'm concerned silicone is superior to rtv anyway and is better at higher temps too. Auto parts stores sell silicone in the large style tubes for use in a caulk gun, for $8-10. The same thing re-labeled is at your local home improvement center for $3-4, 100% silicone....usually says for outdoor use around doors and windows, or for around tubs. I usually get black or clear but many colors are there if you need em' . I squeeze out a little when I'm finished with it and leave it, then in a month when I need some I just pull on the dried portion and the little bit that cured comes with it. I've had this tube for over 2 years now! Its good for use everywhere rtv is recommended, I use it on water necks and in addition to O-rings too. No more rtv or right stuff, and you wont get that "seep" around gaskets that you do with rtv. You can also get fast cure silicone too, I keep a tube under the seat of my mud truck for repairs in the woods.

[matt5112]

Just buy the Right Stuff instead?

It's super expensive, cures in an hour, much higher adhesion, higher temperature, oil resistant, etc.

I don't know what you're doing with RTV, but it clearly states it has a 24 hour cure time on every container. You will most definitely get seep if you throw it on then immediately try to put it back into service.

I took the cap off of my year old tube of the Right stuff and it's ready for use, right away.

[97grandprix1]

Right stuff is a great product but the adhesion is so good oil pans, diff covers, and other "tin" just aren't strong enough and warp and bend when you pry them off, and right stuff is intended to replace the gasket, the tip is about saving $ with better results. There is a time and a place for right stuff, but at $20 a can i'll stick to good ol' 100%

Sometimes you don't get the option for 24hr cure time, If you don't like the tip than don't use it

[ItHurtz]

silicone seals itself shut to....... I have Black rtv thats been open for years, everytime I open the cap it comes out so.

[QUICKSILVER462]

Remember, anything that gets exposed to the air intake track, or the crankcase, needs to be "o2 sensor safe", and if it does not say it on the tube, than I would not trust it to be safe for the o2 sensors.

[97grandprix1]

I've never had any trouble with it but now I'm curious, which 1 isn't sensor safe? Surely the warning on the container doesn't super cede the ingredients, Right?

[Explicit_Spade]

I don't really understand the purpose of this thread. I surely wouldn't use silicone to make gaskets like I do with RTV.

RTV is best for the job, OP can not figure out how to keep it from harening after being opened.

[Explicit_Spade]

Here OP, now you know the HUGE secret of storing RTV:

Push any air out of the nozzle by pushing the caulk all of the way to the tip before tightly replacing the cap. Put the cap over the nozzle and completely fill the cap with silicone, then screw it on. It is not too tuff to get off next time you need it and only the stuff in the cap will harden, the tube contents will be fine.

Store in a cool environment.


That's it. It really is that simple.

[97grandprix1]

the young guy that just bought his first GP thanks you too! btw, I hope you atleast used mouthwash after haha

[Explicit_Spade]

Young guy that just bought his first car wants to badmouth Room-temperature vulcanizing silicone that has been used since the 19th century...

You might want to do more reading and less typing junior.

[97grandprix1]

Didn't your mama teach you its rude to talk with a mouthful? Just giving a hard time anyhow, so sensitive

I'm not "that young guy" but if I can save him some cash maybe he'll get you off a stop light with his new go fast parts. Have a nice day

[rodguezsciii]

Dammit.....I missed the initial "young guy" comment.....

I still side with the 13 y/o female from Cali....

[BillBoost37]

Personally, I find I don't typically have an issue with RTV hardening. Maybe I'm the odd guy that puts the cap back on? I've also had more issues with silicone drying up in the tube and digging at it than RTV.