gasket sealer RTV????

Anonymous-0 · Jul 5, 2009

Hey folks, just watching motorweek and an expert was explaining RTV and thread sealer.
Had a whole assortment and was saying
these (red and blue) are for 1974 and older cars
this one is for 74-80 something
this is for after the 80's
and this is for imports
guess he forgot the black one that is supposed to be for chrysler

Now, I understand the difference between red and blue thread sealerbut, how does the rtv know which car it's on or if it's a motorcycle or golf cart and how does the vehicle know which one to not leak with????

Could it be I'm just ignant????

Dave

Brian Jasper co. Ia · Jul 5, 2009

Sounds more like the guy on TV is ignorant...

Anonymous-0 · Jul 5, 2009

Interesting. It is all very confusing. They even have a special "Imports" grade of sealant gasket maker RTV. I usually grab whatever I have on hand that still comes out of the tube. That must be the wrong thing to do.

www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_makers.htm

RBnSC · Jul 5, 2009

Dave,
Did they say anything about how to get any more out of the tube after it has been opened and used once? I usually have to tear the bottom corner of the tube.
Ron

Anonymous-0 · Jul 5, 2009

it's because of all the emissions junk on cars. by using the wrong RTV it will set of sensors and give the computer wrong readings. he was not giving you a line.

GVSII · Jul 5, 2009

(quoted from post at 05:13:13 07/05/09) it's because of all the emissions junk on cars. by using the wrong RTV it will set of sensors and give the computer wrong readings. he was not giving you a line.

Marlowe is correct

GVSII · Jul 5, 2009

(quoted from post at 05:13:13 07/05/09) it's because of all the emissions junk on cars. by using the wrong RTV it will set of sensors and give the computer wrong readings. he was not giving you a line.

Marlowe is correct

ericlb · Jul 5, 2009

marlow, what else do you know about this, i never heard of the wrong rtv giving bad readings to sensors, you might have just solved a problem us and peterbilt have been trying to figure out for a year and a half, my truck over heats turns on all the warning lamps and buzzers, only thing the truck isnt hot, when shot with a heat gun while the alarms are on the radiator temp is only 171 degrees, the dash gauge shows normal,but where ever the computer diagnostic system gets its reading it shows 221 degrees the truck did have some engine work done but now im wondering if this is causing the problem

GeneMO · Jul 5, 2009

To the un-initiated, what does RTV stand for?

Thanks, Gene

Lamar Fudd · Jul 5, 2009

Room Temperature Vulcanizing. It means that it will cure (harden) at ordinary temperatures-doesn't need heat applied.

Goose · Jul 5, 2009

RTV has its place, but it will NEVER take the place of an appropriate gasket.

I've overhauled engines where some bonehead had slopped so much RTV in in place of gaskets that the cooling passages were plugged.

Anonymous-0 · Jul 5, 2009

(quoted from post at 06:26:19 07/05/09)
I've overhauled engines where some bonehead had slopped so much RTV in in place of gaskets that the cooling passages were plugged.

Prolly some dummy used import car RTV on an American car...........

GeneMO · Jul 5, 2009

Well thank you Mr. Fudd. I had seen that before and never bother to ask, guess I just had more time.

Now I can say I learned something today. And I'm 54! Never too old to learn!!

Gene

RBnSC · Jul 5, 2009

I can tell you that I have changed lots of big truck rear ends and we never bought gaskets. Just RTV used appropriately. I have seen people use to much and make a mess. RTV used properly is great stuff.
Ron

bison · Jul 5, 2009

nutting wrong with RTV,as always the devil is in the details.
Clean mating surfaces GOOD and wipe with brake cleaner,and lay only a small bead.
works best on valve covers and oil pans and such.
It cannot replace a gasket that is also used as spacer between parts.

Anonymous-0 · Jul 5, 2009

That stuff is great if used the right way. One of the biggest problems in the trouble department is everyone gets in a hurry.

If you have issues, clean and apply the calk, mate the surfaces with a very small shim (on the edge and not in your calk) between the surfaces. Then let it set overnight so you make a thick gasket---now tighten the bolts and you will have a dependable (thick, and compressed) gasket. It's not brain surgery if you stop and think about it.

Phil in Pa · Jul 5, 2009

Why use it? Unless you have something abnormal or misshapen, I've found no use for the stuff.

rodgernbama · Jul 5, 2009

When replacing a faulty water pump years ago I discovered rtv sealant. First thing I do is throw away the paper gasket. This was advice I got in the 80"s from a guy who built race car engines. It"s not much fun having to take off a leaking water pump that you just put on.

Rusty wheel · Jul 5, 2009

Where is Billy Mays now that we really need him? rw

Hobo,NC · Jul 6, 2009

The first blue RTV was not O2 sensor friendly,,, until the import grey came along black was the best RTV,,, I use the import grey 95% of the time,,, the other 5% it depends on what the fluid is I am containing and the temperature of the part

I prefer the tooth paste tube RTV over the cheese squeeze dispenser,,, for some reason the aerosol used in the cheese squeeze dispenser affects the RTV and its not as good as the tooth paste type

A good professional can pert neer seal up anything with RTV as long as he uses the right RTV for the right application in the right environment,,, actually he is forced to learn cuzz for the most part a gasket is not available or the gasket supplied is a inferior cheap P.O.S.,,, are the part like tin covers are warped and can not B sealed with a gasket good are bad then RTV comes in right handy

A back yard Bob can fudge up anything and its EZ for him to blame the sealer over his ability to apply RTV properly

Like anything its a learning curve

gasket sealer RTV????

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Similar threads