Gaskets VS. RTV

[Octain]

Okay what is RTV supposed to be used for anyway? In the running tally of RTV uses it's Gaskets 2,452,586,002 and RTV 0.

I've used it in automobile applications in combination with the proper gaskets. But ya dont "goop" it. Ya use it sparingly, just rub it on both side of the gasket. Most times its just used to aid in holding the gasket in place during the install of the part.
Nasty stuff, ugly too!

[DCrippa]

Did you check treats? http://www.treatland.tv/new-puch-peu...parts-s/88.htm

I have owned 2 mopeds.

I have and they rock - ordered a bunch from them - gotta stay away or I'd go nuts... they also have it - $15 not bad but plus shipping it becomes a bit more than I'd want to pay - wouldn't mind just making them if the material is cheap - plus I could take the opportunity to make more than one - and not be bothered in the future plus just have on hand should the need arise for any other bike.

[DCrippa]

Just spring the $.89 for your very own tube of Wet n' Wild ya cheepskate. Sheesh.

Is that with or without glitter?

[Nessism]

I also recommend getting a proper gasket, but wanted to say that lots of OE automotive engines are built without gaskets at all - they use RTV instead. The type of RTV used is formulated for gasket replacement, not for gasket supplementation. This type of RTV is much stronger and any that oozes out won't chunk off and plug up your engine the way common auto parts store silicone RTV will. This kind of RTV will really glue your engine cover down though and make it difficult to remove next time. It's best to use gaskets on GS engines to avoid future servicing problems.

[Big T]

I also recommend getting a proper gasket, but wanted to say that lots of OE automotive engines are built without gaskets at all - they use RTV instead. The type of RTV used is formulated for gasket replacement, not for gasket supplementation. This type of RTV is much stronger and any that oozes out won't chunk off and plug up your engine the way common auto parts store silicone RTV will. This kind of RTV will really glue your engine cover down though and make it difficult to remove next time. It's best to use gaskets on GS engines to avoid future servicing problems.

Yeah, the Dodge dealer RTVs on the oil pan on my transmission

But then, they have insurance if they do it wrong

[JEEPRUSTY]

I would imagine that anything that is used to seal a joint is a gasket.

Ahem!

Its the clear bathroom sealant that I find to be most beneficial.

[Allie]

Is that with or without glitter?

There's always Bonne Bell if you really want to unlock the 13 year old inside, that's pretty cheap too.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

There's a gasket fabrication guide on my little website if you care to have a look. It's not hard.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Normk]

Terminology can get one into many problems. Talk to techs in one area and they'll refer to silicone rubber gasket material as "silicone" but in another "RTV". The professionals use automotive grade silicone rubber products made by companies such as Permatex and never bathtub grade silicone. Different formulation, intended for different environments.

The main problem with silicone rubber products is that amateurs don't think when they apply the material and so end up with a poor seal, excess squeezing into the interior as some have mentioned, use products which are not compatable with the fluids, and fail to consider the clearance issues.

The old GS engines are intended to use paper gaskets for many areas and the machining reflects this factor. Some engines use rubber sealing or "O" rings which are intended to accomodate wider tolerances. You may be successful in using a silicone rubber product for areas such as a cover but, as someone mentioned, this needs be prepared so that the silicone doesn't bond the areas or problems can occur when attempting to disassemble.

A very important consideration is clearance. If the designers intended there to be the additional spacing of the gasket behind the cover and a silicone, anerobic or other preparation is used instead, there may be interference in the parts. We used to see various problems from people using silicone to replace gaskets for this reason.

You can cut gaskets very efficiently with the use of tracing, sharp cutters and punches but, given the cost of gasket material and the various thicknesses required, why not simply buy a kit?

Yes, you can cut many engine gaskets from heavy paper or a file folder but that material is permeable and may weep oil over time. I did this to get a Honda outboard going in Vanuatu but it wouldn't be the choice here.

Do everyone a favor, especially the next person to pull it apart and either use the correct gaskets or at least use a release compound on one surface.

[TheCafeKid]

Actually a lot of newer-ish bikes and ATVs seal the valve cover/rocker cover with RTv or the like because the rockers are built into the cover itself. Using a gasket here would create issues in setting tappet clearances when aftermarket gaskets whose tooling isn't as precise as required or over-torqued bolts squish the gasket could occur.
Frankly i hate the stuff, but on the two yammie ATVs I worked on recently, that's what they call for so that is what i used.

[john82q]

RTV,

An old coot once showed me a technique you can still read about on the dow corning tube, which I used to use on agriculteral machinery to great effect.

you apply a thin neat bead less than 2 mm thick to the case with no gaps or high pieces,and leave it to cure. when the silcone is about 90% cured assemble the case, finger tight, and torque it down when its fully cured.

This will not stick the cases together, and largly eliminates the squish problem.

I would'nt do that to my bike, but a option is options.

RTV and JB weld have saved my arse in the desert more than one time.

[FiremanBob]

The purpose of RTV is to make it easy for used-vehicle buyers to identify "run away, not walk" bad deals.

[Normk]

The reference to loose silicone globs in the engine reminds of working on KLR650's. They collect huge amounts of silicone rubber globs from the original factory assembly. The oil pump pick-up screen is cup shaped and often filled with globs but it never seems to affect oil supply despite that people have a "cow" when they open the engine for the first time.

The concern regarding silicone rubber gasket material entering and blocking an oil gallery is over stated but, as the supporters of the concern will correctly state, "It only needs to happen once in your engine!".

John's method of applying a thin bead which is allowed to cure in place before assembly is the correct one for use on steel valve covers and parts of this nature where it is intended to replace a gasket. This type of application will often out perform a conventional gasket as he inferred.

This procedure will not be the appropriate one when dealing with valve covers of the type referenced by "Cafekid" as it will serve to space the covers out from the intended location.

OEM manufacturers use silicone rubber and anaerobic sealants in factory assembly because they are more effective than the alternative. To suggest that it is because they are cutting corners is unsupportable.

One needs think through any gasket application, especially where one intends to modify the original design. Having silicone gasket material squeezing out of the joins in large amounts simply indicates poor workmanship.

I can reference direct contact with hundreds of very competent technicians who use gaskets and various sealants routinely every day to excellent effect. As with other options, good decisions are needed.

[1_v8_merc]

RTV is great stuff. I've made side cover gaskets, covered oil leaks and gas leaks.
If it's done right, it will last very long.

But at some point it's a good idea to just get a gasket.

[Normk]

Silicone RTV is usually a poor choice for use in gasoline environments because gasoline causes most blends to break down very quickly.

RTV is great stuff. I've made side cover gaskets, covered oil leaks and gas leaks.
If it's done right, it will last very long.

But at some point it's a good idea to just get a gasket.