[Mista Bone]

MIne don't last long enough to get old, Cracked cap maybe. Two tubes per year normally.

 

[bigblockmark]

I am back to using Valco All in One aluminum RTV silicone. The Permatex ultra black and gray just don't apply and set up like they used to. They are listed as Gasket Makers which makes me think they are for use with no gasket. Only the black says oil resistant. Valco is easier to spread and work and has a consistent 10-15 minute skin over before assembly. Room temperature vulcanizing silicone needs that time for the moisture in the air to activate the vulcanizing before assembly. The Permatex instructions say to assemble immediately now, and take a long time to set up solid, like days. So is it really RTV now?

I order direct from Valvo in Cincinnati. Just be careful to explain you want the package to be small as possible to minimize shipping cost. (I got a $25 UPS cost on for 6 pieces. first time.) I order the 3 ounce small size and the big 11 ounce tubes which are more economical. But they tend to send them in a much larger box than necessary if you get the 11 ounce size which runs up the total price.

Valco does have black and clear, but the silver/aluminum actually has real aluminum powder mixed in which I like.

Summit is supposed to start handling Valco this spring.

No, I do not work for Valco guys. I just like this stuff.

 

[xlcr77]

Mark, I started using the Permatex regular clear silicone that's like $4.50 a tube or so from WalMart. It works better that the Permatex Ultra black or gray. It works like the old silicone did years ago,it actually cures overnight completely. I still have my tube of Ultra gray, it does cure in 3 days instead of 5 or 6, now that we have warmer weather here in Lousy ana.

 

[XSPSI]

So far, I really like the ThreeBond product line. However, based on my experiences as a "hobbyist", my personal short-list preferences are:

Best all-around:

• ThreeBond 1215
• ThreeBond 1207B / Mopar Engine RTV Sealant (04883971AC)

Best for sealing intake end rails:

• ThreeBond 1217H / Mopar "ThreeBond" Engine RTV (68082860AB)
• Victor Reinz Reinzosil

Best for sealing threads exposed to oil, water:

• ThreeBond 1184 (equivalent to Hondabond 4 / Yamabond 4)
• Loctite MR 5923 (Aviation Gasket Sealant)

Core/Freeze Plugs

• Permatex Form-A-Gasket No. 1 Sealant

Rear cam plug, timing cover crankshaft seal, turbo compressor cover

• Loctite 518 Flange Sealant

 

[Eman85]

I'm disappointed with Ultra Gray. Did they change the formula or have bad batches? Oil pan end seals I put a thin coat of ultra gray and both ends are leaking. Looks like the Ultra Gray just peeled off of the rubber end seals where it was visible. Seems like it didn't stand up to contact with oil. Pan was installed on the stand and days before oil made any contact with it.

 

[bigblockmark]

Just had a brass freeze plug new install start dripping upon initial heat up cycle on test stand. Used Permatex Aviation on freeze plugs before with no issue. Same with Edelbrock Gasketcinch. Got me this time. Second try used Locktite Hi Viscosity, high temperature sleeve retainer Part number 620. It is green and thicker that the 640 sleeve retainer, so it will stick to whatever you apply it to long enough to get assembly done. No one around here had it, but Oreilly got some next day. Not cheap. Recommended by my machine shop guy. That one sealed but another one did same thing. I had pressure tested to 15# before heat up. Maybe it is a temperature/ and pressure thing? Same guy recommended K Seal. Used it and no more drips. Small blue rectangular bottle. Money back guarantee. Not cheap either.

Gray Ultra seal is not listed for gas or oil, I don't believe. Ultra Black says right on the tube it is. Valco is my go to for most engine assembly RTV.

 

[Eman85]

Don't know who carries Valco and I don't do enough work anymore to order any quantity. I think a local parts store carries Versachem, everyone else carries Permatex.

 

[bigblockmark]

You can order any amount direct from Valco. Summit is supposed to be picking up the entire Valco line soon. Speedway Motors has the 3 oz tubes in stock for like $7. I prefer the All In One Aluminum because it has real aluminum particles in it, and it starts to cure in 10-20 minutes.

 

[xlcr77]

Mark, I've always used red lock-tite on freeze plugs, and the rear cam bearing plugs. Never once had a water leak. It's worked on nice stuff, and worked on some of the trashiest shit imaginable.
I always used lacquer thinner to clean both surfaces first.

 

[cad]

Not sure if mentioned prior, current go to is Dowsil 732 black. Driskell, Siebert use it. I think I also saw it being used in a video in Wilkersen's shop.

Dow Corning 1892011 732 Black Multi-Purpose Sealant, -60 to 205 Degree C, 300 mL: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Dow Corning 1892011 732 Black Multi-Purpose Sealant, -60 to 205 Degree C, 300 mL: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

My prior go to was Ford Ultra Grey, also in a caulk tube.

 

[seantopstreetperformance]

Being a VW aircooled guy, I have TRIED everything in the world to seal an VW engine cases.. to keep them from leaking.

three bond 1215 for the case works the BEST.

now use it ON everything that needs silicone..

it is also the same stuff many japanese manufacturers use to seal gasketless oil pans, timing covers, etc

 

[Mista Bone]

so Hondabond or Yamabond.

 

[seantopstreetperformance]

so Hondabond or Yamabond.

Yes

 

[Mista Bone]

I use UltraGrey on all the Honda transmissions I build, never a leak issue. It does NOT clean up as easy as the Honda bond, but the tubes cost 1/2 as much and are twice as big. I used Honda bond when I got it for free from the dealership.

 

[str8liner]

Been using Ultra Grey here for years on everything. I found Ultra Grey years ago when I was trying to find something strong to seal low flow baffles in truck radiators. Ultra Copper on anything exhaust or heat related.

 

[Kryptonite1973]

Isn't Jeff Lutz the silicone know all in drag racing. He even used it on some roll cages right?

 

[seantopstreetperformance]

I use UltraGrey on all the Honda transmissions I build, never a leak issue. It does NOT clean up as easy as the Honda bond, but the tubes cost 1/2 as much and are twice as big. I used Honda bond when I got it for free from the dealership.

i have a personal VW engine to assembly.. this go around i will try ultra grey.. honda trans case, basically same as a vw engine case.

three bond is expensive, compared to ultra grey.

 

[Mista Bone]

Been using Ultra Grey here for years on everything. I found Ultra Grey years ago when I was trying to find something strong to seal low flow baffles in truck radiators. Ultra Copper on anything exhaust or heat related.

There is a better sealant, but I haven't need it yet.

 

[bigblockmark]

The Toyota pan and timing cover sealer is the best I have used. Black in color, firmer than RTV, but can be removed reasonably to disassemble. Expensive at their parts department, but available reasonably online. My buddy gets it at his work. Wear gloves, it gets everywhere.