wtf is the difference between black, blue etc rtv?

[Das Delfin]

I need to use some RTV on the valve cover gasket butt plugs. I have a thing of blue RTV. Am I going to commit a sin by using the blue instead of black?

[dnguyen1963]

The black is oil resistant. The blue does not make any claim about oil resistant. Since you are just going to put a few dabs of RTV in the valve cover, I think either RTV is fine.

[Mook613]

Red is high heat. I used that on my valve cover.

[jeffnhiscars]

I just use a dab of dielectric grease on the plugs and have never had a leak. IMO RTV is dangerous for internal use since a stray bit can clog an oil passage. Use minimally with great care if you must

[Kershaw]

The Permatex 80022 is a blue rubber gasket maker that comes in a 3 oz tube. It cures to a strong, flexible rubber that seals flanges against leakage and resists shop fluids.

Oil is a shop fluid. The image on the cardboard backer shows it sealing a water pump, so I'm sure it's safe for engine temps. Although, they make a specific rtv for water pumps (i think it's gray), so I'm not sure why they show that here. Blue is the "sensor safe" rtv. I'm not sure there's a real difference between them, but I like to try to use the specific rtvs for their specific usage.

[PKile]

I no longer use blue RTV anywhere near my engines because the acetic acid can poison an oxygen sensor and the RTV swells and separates if it comes in contact with gasoline. For the rocker shaft plugs and joint areas of the oil pan gasket I use Toyota black FIPG (form-in-place gasket). It has no acetic acid and it cures to a rubber consistency. It is specofied by Toyota for the exact same areas on the engine, and we all know Toyotas don't leak. You can buy it on Amazon for around $16.

[ELVA164]

I no longer use blue RTV anywhere near my engines because the acetic acid can poison an oxygen sensor and the RTV swells and separates if it comes in contact with gasoline. For the rocker shaft plugs and joint areas of the oil pan gasket I use Toyota black FIPG (form-in-place gasket). It has no acetic acid and it cures to a rubber consistency. It is specofied by Toyota for the exact same areas on the engine, and we all know Toyotas don't leak. You can buy it on Amazon for around $16.

That sounds like The Right Stuff, which I've yet to use but I've heard good things about.

[AndrewBird]

I don't like silicone based sealants at all. I use Permatex #2 on everything and haven't had a problem.



Apply a THIN coat to both sides of the gasket and both of the mating parts, let tack for 5-10 minutes, then assemble. I usually do the engine and one side of the gasket, put the gasket on, then do the other side and the valve cover. Makes things less messy.

[Das Delfin]

I've used the blue before on a Toyota water passage seal back in the day.

While googling last night I was reading about the acetic acid in RTV. I've also heard good things about The Right Stuff.

Jeff, I'll probably go with your advice. However I have the day off and a shopping spree for automotive sealants sounds like a fun way to spend the day!

[LateFan]

I just put on a new VC gasket and plugs with no goop. There wasn't evidence of any there before, so I put them in without. Mistake?

[estoguy]

I just put on a new VC gasket and plugs with no goop. There wasn't evidence of any there before, so I put them in without. Mistake?

I'd say no... I've done it both ways, with the Permatex Form a Gasket 2 and without. If it was a new VC cover, you should be fine. I think the issue is if you're reusing the gasket. I was doing that, and found there would be some leakage.

[LateFan]

Yeah, all new.

[jeffnhiscars]

I just put on a new VC gasket and plugs with no goop. There wasn't evidence of any there before, so I put them in without. Mistake?

No goop is better than anything that doesn't mix with oil. I'll get off my silicon free soapbox now

[Das Delfin]

I ended up getting a tube of dielectric grease as well as the toyota fipg straight from the dealer. It was the same price as online. I read up on all the RTV, two stage form a gaskets, The Right Stuff, and they all said do not let come in contact with gasoline. They were also all permatex products. However the toyota said it was specifically designed for valvecover/camshaft seals and oil pan seals.

[TobyB]

RTV is dangerous for internal use

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

we all know Toyotas don't leak.

You haven't met my Fj60....

I just keep a tube of ultra black around- it seems to do the few things
that you really need a silicone RTV sealer for...

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