After discovering that, no surprises, the manual's recommended RTV sealants aren't made any more I got the AC Delco 10-2006 engine sealant. I got curious about the max temp it can handle, and not only was this not disclosed it also says to keep away from heat. This is a very odd warning given that engines tend to get hot. Why are they selling an engine sealant if it's not supposed to be used on engines? What is the best equivalent to sealants 1050805 and 1051435?

 

I am sure that will be fine. I looked at the label and the warnings about heat etc are just the typical warnings for users not to blow themselves up or die from cancer It says it is "engine sealer" I dont know why you would question it.

Personally I have always used Permatex products that you can buy at any local parts store and they probably have the same warnings on the back

 

^^^ This. I use Permatex Ultra Black for most applications that require RTV. I've found it to be very tenacious.

 

x2 on using Permatex sealants. The sealant used on gaskets will differ depending on the type of gasket you're sealing.

 

Permatex The Right Stuff

Permatex® The Right Stuff® 90 Minute Black Gasket Maker, 3 OZ - Permatex

 

I like the Optimum lines from Permatex, Grey especially. They even have a new easy removal formula Optimum Black. The Right Stuff is also quite good and sets much quicker.

 

What gaskets require different sealants?

I think I'll invest in that, thanks!

Well, a lot of brands aren't what they used to be and I know very well that AC Delco's parts are junk from experience. I don't know if their chemical products are still any good. Plus this will also my first time diving into engine repair so just trying to make sure I use the right stuff as much as possible.

 

The NEWER Delco stuff could very well be junk but you have to check. It's not as reliable as it once was, that's for sure. As far as fluids and sealants, as far as what I'd found, Delco never actually made any themselves. They simply had companies that made sealants make them for the brand specs and put a Delco label on them. Many of them were Permatex from doing a bit of research. In some instances, they just put a GM part number to the sealant and you get the same exact can of sealer as you would if you bought it from a box store. They didn't even bother to relabel it.

Some sealants are made for exposure to water jackets (like the anaerobics) and others aren't. So there's a rhyme and reason they used different sealants for different things.

 

^^^THIS^^^

I've used the Right Stuff sealant in place of the lifter valley end seals, but I wouldn't use it on a water pump or thermostat housing gasket.

 

That could have been the reason GM put a Part Number on the products. The sealant number would ensure that the correct sealant was used in the right places when re[airing cars. Some manufacturers also labeled their products "Meets GM specs _____". .

 

Ok, that makes sense. For the Right Stuff, what gaskets should it not be used for?

 

Anything exposed to gasoline.

 

Yes, I also found that out (in the 1970s). RTV on fuel system parts turns to slime.