Just want to get a list. Do you guys use RTV, the rubber end seals, or both when doing intake gaskets.

I've been searching through the forum here and I get a couple of threads where people reply, then another thread a couple new people reply, but I wanted to combine them. For peace of mind so I can make a decision, should I have to do mine, again. Tried to do a survey, but the server is blocking it.

 

Both is asking for trouble, IMO. I worked at a machine shop where we built engines, mostly race engines. We always used a thick bead of RTV Black as the end rail seals, VERY reliable.

Also, kind of unrelated, but we also used brush on RTV on the head side of the intake gasket and white lithium on the intake side of the gasket to facilitate eay romoval. This is NOT with the turkey tray style gaskets. Probably not needed on a street engine, but just a little tip.

 

RTV only.

 

I do not use the rubber seals. RTV only...for me and I like it black.

 

The right stuff from permatex. Definitly not both.

 

RTV, in one form or another.

- Eric

 

RTV only. Permatex ultra gray. The other colors dry too snotty in my opinion.

 

What is all of you guys' RTV of choice? I've heard a lot about "The Right Stuff", and I went to the store to try that, but they only had the large 10oz bottles for $50. I read on the back the stuff s only good until 450*. The regular RTV grey that I use is good until 625*.

My brother works for Dodge, so it's the Mopar branded tubes. Any reason to use "The Right Stuff" over another RTV?

 

They're all about the same for this particular application as far as I'm concerned.
I use a black RTV myself, just to keep the appearance discrete.

If your engine reaches 450°, you'll have other things to worry about.

- Eric

 

Ha, that's a really good point. I ended up using the Permatex Product, "The Right Stuff". I have a nice bead that ozzed out of the front, but a very small one on the rear seal. I'm letting it sit for the day, I'll be flushing out the radiator and checking for leaks tonight.

 

I had 2 recent attempts, 1st attempt it leaked in the rear because I didnt lay the alu intake straight down; 2nd attempt I got it almost right but had to move intake a just bit however after a 5min drive up the block i realized that the front is oozing/bubbling radiator fluid, so I didnt do a good job in the front corner near the water port....

do you guys have a certain technique on placement, i never seem to get it dead on without a slight movement? also when applying RTV, is it a continous bead with no extra layer or imperfection? also do you apply 1/4 or much less around water ports...

Hopefully the 3rd try will be the final time for me....

 

For anything other than a header, we actually use regular (window type) silicon on our race car.

Never would have thought so but did so at the advice of the engine builder. Have never had an issue with it along the intake, water pump or oil pan.

Best reason to use it is sometimes we need to do a repair at the track and it sets up fasssssssst.

 

I layer the rtv on the end rails, dry fit 1st to get an idea of how thick the bead needs to be. Installing an intake over the fender, it's tough, better with 2 guys, I think.

 

this!

 

The Right Stuff. I'm pretty darn sure I've never paid $50.