Pros & Cons of Silicone Sealers

Hello All...Getting ready to put on several exterior items on my Hemi..Water pump, timeing chain cover, oil pan, (oil pump also).
There seems to several different types..What to use, where..
Duane..

 

Correct.

 

Duane, I have found that the clear RTV silicone sealer works the best and is not as noticeable when you get a little gooey with it. I figured if it will hold the glass in an aquarium together it will seal a water pump, etc.

 

I've found actual gaskets to be the best. Coat them with grease & bolt them down with the proper torque.

Few of the sealants - especially the RTV stuff - are worth a damn. They jelly quickly near gas, alcohol, or diesel and will jelly eventually when exposed to oil.

If it oozes out on the outside - it's doing the same on the inside.

If you must use it - use it very sparingly in the thinnest of coats. I'd only use it near water - nothing else.

Gaskets. It's what they're made for.

 

I would not use it on a water pump.I have seen it done and later seen little blue slivers of it floating in the top tank wonder how much was traped in the tubes.

 

I have to agree with the grease and gaskets, Works great.

 

I use permetex gasket maker... its the purple stuff.

Just a real thin coat on the side of the gasket that goes with whatever bolts on. Mainly to keep it all lined up and un-torn so the gasket does the job its supposed to do.

Black RTV on SBC intakes front and back.

Tend to drop paper gaskets in a pan of motor oil if i don't have gasket maker. Get it lined up, and it'll stick to what your bolting on. Grease works, but is messier.