Which RTV do you use?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 65
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From: Phoenix, Arizona
I went to the local auto parts store this evening to pick up some RTV and found out that Permatex has many different flavors. There was black, blue, Hi-temp black, Sensor safe blue etc... I am planning on do several different maintenance items which includes the water pump, time chain cover, value cover gasket, oil pan gasket and intake manifold gasket. Is there one RTV that is recommended for all of these items or do I need a specific one for each application? I was leaning towards the "sensor safe blue" flavor for the sole purpose of not messing up my sensors and passing local emmisions tests.
Thanks,
Chris - 1996 LT4
Thanks,
Chris - 1996 LT4
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Those applications take several different sealants.
water pump - I use Permatex non-hardening gasket sealant on the gaskets and on the bolts.
valve covers - FelPro don't must be installed dry.
intake manifold - Blk RTV, maybe hi-temp, to form the rear gasket; either dry or Permatex non-hardening sealant on the gaskets.
I'm not sure about the other gaskets, possibly some want to be installed dry or use a Permatex non-hardening gasket sealer.
water pump - I use Permatex non-hardening gasket sealant on the gaskets and on the bolts.
valve covers - FelPro don't must be installed dry.
intake manifold - Blk RTV, maybe hi-temp, to form the rear gasket; either dry or Permatex non-hardening sealant on the gaskets.
I'm not sure about the other gaskets, possibly some want to be installed dry or use a Permatex non-hardening gasket sealer.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 29
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From: San Diego
Most everything is sensor safe now days, but make sure that you read the tube just to be sure, dont want to waste an O2 sensor just cause. I only use the high temp black, except on VC gaskets as 65Z01 said.
My2c
BW
My2c
BW
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
I used Hylomar on the flat type gaskets and "Right Stuff" to seal the ends of the intake. If you really need advice, call Permatex directly, they have a tech support 800 number that I have called several times when I have had questions. That is how I learned to decode the dates on the packages. You will be surprised at how many stores are selling materials that are beyond the date specification.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 5,159
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
FWIW, we use Loctite 518 flange sealer to assemble our transmissions at work. I use a pneumatic caulk gun and run a bead around the bellhousings before I drop the internals and rails in. The stuff is amazing. We bolt on the main and rear housings and pressurize with air through the shifter area to leak test. Rarely do they ever leak and as soon as the test is passed, they are filled with oil just that quickly.
I don't know if it is available at retail or not but it is great for those who don't like to wait around for it to skin.
Randy
I don't know if it is available at retail or not but it is great for those who don't like to wait around for it to skin.
Randy
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 29
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From: San Diego
Re: (Dave's_88)
No, dont use the ends. just lay down a nice thick bead all the way across the front & rear of the motor. lay the intake gaskets down onto the heads & ensure that it looks like when you set the manifold down that some of the RTV will squish into the locking end of the gaskets.
put the manifold STRAIGHT down onto the motor & it will seal up nice. lay all the bolts in & tighten down by hand/ratchet. torque them down in sequnce & call it a day. I usually let them sit for a few hours so I dont screw it up, while it sets.
BW
put the manifold STRAIGHT down onto the motor & it will seal up nice. lay all the bolts in & tighten down by hand/ratchet. torque them down in sequnce & call it a day. I usually let them sit for a few hours so I dont screw it up, while it sets.
BW
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 65
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From: Phoenix, Arizona
Re: (vettenuts)
Vettenuts,
Thanks for the advise. I called the Permatex 800 number today (1-877-376-2839). I asked the guy, which RTV he recommeded for each of the following applications. He recommended either the "Ultra Black" which is a hi-temp RTV or the "Ultra Copper" which is there highest temp RTV. His specific response was as follows:
waterpump - Ultra Black
Intake manifold - Ultra Black
Oil pan - Ultra Black
Exhaust manifold - Ultra Copper
Valve cover - Ultra Black or Ultra Copper
He also indicated that they are both "sensor safe". Links to the Ultra Black and Ultra copper are:
Ultra Black - http://www.permatex.com/auto/autouh....&item_no=22072
Ultra Copper - http://www.permatex.com/auto/autouh....&item_no=81878
By the way, does anyone know what "RTV" stands for, I forgot to ask the Permatex guy.
Chris - 1996 LT4
Thanks for the advise. I called the Permatex 800 number today (1-877-376-2839). I asked the guy, which RTV he recommeded for each of the following applications. He recommended either the "Ultra Black" which is a hi-temp RTV or the "Ultra Copper" which is there highest temp RTV. His specific response was as follows:
waterpump - Ultra Black
Intake manifold - Ultra Black
Oil pan - Ultra Black
Exhaust manifold - Ultra Copper
Valve cover - Ultra Black or Ultra Copper
He also indicated that they are both "sensor safe". Links to the Ultra Black and Ultra copper are:
Ultra Black - http://www.permatex.com/auto/autouh....&item_no=22072
Ultra Copper - http://www.permatex.com/auto/autouh....&item_no=81878
By the way, does anyone know what "RTV" stands for, I forgot to ask the Permatex guy.
Chris - 1996 LT4
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,870
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From: Long Island, NY
Re: (crt)
I used Ultra copper on my intake manifold a few months ago. I hope I don't have a problem since they recommend Ultra black for the end rails of an intake manifold.
Here is my reasoning for using the Ultra copper:
1. It has a higher temperture resistance.
2. With the orange color it is much easier to see oil leaks. I use the Ultra copper for everything and never had a problem.
Vic :chevy
Here is my reasoning for using the Ultra copper:
1. It has a higher temperture resistance.
2. With the orange color it is much easier to see oil leaks. I use the Ultra copper for everything and never had a problem.
Vic :chevy
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 65
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From: Phoenix, Arizona
Re: (Vette92)
When I was talking to the Permatex rep, I asked why he did not recommend the Ultra Copper for the intake manifold. He said the only reason was because the Ultra Black had a faster curing time. So, if your patient, I would assume that Ultra Copper would be fine, probably even better since it has a higher heat rating.
Chris - 1996 LT4
Chris - 1996 LT4
