Silicone vs. Anti-Seize
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,608
Likes: 3
From: TEXAS - you mean there are other states?
Silicone vs. Anti-Seize
What is the guidance on using Silicone vs. Anti-Seize? I have an aluminum intake and am installing the water nipples... which one is a better application? 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,202
Likes: 10
From: cincinnati ohio
St. Jude Donor '09
Go easy on the RTV, that's the most overused product next to duct tape on the planet.
Ever disassemble a motor that someone had siliconed together? The crap gets everwhere internally. I seen everything from oil pump pickups to entire radiators plugged with that crap
There are much better choices for most applications
Ever disassemble a motor that someone had siliconed together? The crap gets everwhere internally. I seen everything from oil pump pickups to entire radiators plugged with that crap
There are much better choices for most applications
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,608
Likes: 3
From: TEXAS - you mean there are other states?
Thanks for confirming the difference, I was justa bit confused with having an aluminum manifold whether I should be more conscious of sealing or anti-seizing....
I promise to be gentle on the RTV - promise !
I promise to be gentle on the RTV - promise !
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,589
Likes: 5
From: Salisbury Maryland
First, Silicone is a sealant, as stated above. It's application ranges from dressing gaskets(depending on which you use) to caulking your tub. It is a flexible product and shrinks and swells as temperature changes. However, that movement is what will cause a leak over time.
Anti-seize is a lubricant. Because of it's high temperature capabilities, it's useful with bolts that will see over 300 degrees+, an area where a threadlocker will melt away. Nickel and copper are the most common. A mechanical fastener(lockwasher) is still required because unless your torquing heads, the bolt could back out.
Threadlockers, i.e. Loctite, are used to seal threads and lock nuts to keep them from backing out. However limited in temperature rating, Loctite will protect the engaged threads and make removal(if ever needed), much easier(I may catch some flack on that one).
Anti-seize is a lubricant. Because of it's high temperature capabilities, it's useful with bolts that will see over 300 degrees+, an area where a threadlocker will melt away. Nickel and copper are the most common. A mechanical fastener(lockwasher) is still required because unless your torquing heads, the bolt could back out.
Threadlockers, i.e. Loctite, are used to seal threads and lock nuts to keep them from backing out. However limited in temperature rating, Loctite will protect the engaged threads and make removal(if ever needed), much easier(I may catch some flack on that one).
