Originally Posted by Mad_Hatter
Originally Posted by Trav
Who has 24hrs to leave it? That would really jam up the works if you work on multiple cars a day.
Who has 24hrsðŸ‘👠Me...., it's called planning ahead.
Maybe you should check out Permatex website because they make a RTV that you can fill immediately, putting the vehicle back into service immediately. Don't take my word for it, go check out their website.
The only valid reason for not using a gasket maker is a) fear due to inexperience with RTV and b) matter of preference (- just not wanting to use it) and c) time.
But whatever floats your boat. If you like using preformed just say you like using preformed and leave it at that.. but to insist that gasket maker is not a suitable alternative to a preformed gasket, is simply not based on facts and experience.
I have been working with silicone sealants for over 40 years since they made their first appearance in garages so I think I have more experience with it than most.
It is better than it was in those days but still has issues, first of all manufacturers use it because it is cheaper, less part numbers to store, no damage due to storage environment, etc.
The parts are new and can be machine applied, the parts also sit a while empty of fluids before finding their way to the assembly line, it is good enough but not ideal.
RTV has some undesirable properties such as heat cycle degradation and incompatibility with some compounds commonly fount in oil additives like esters.
Over the years we have seen many rtv sealed oil pans and engine cases develop leaks due to failed rtv. Subaru uses rtv a lot but has a lot of issues with it, many H6 engines require a tear down to reseal them at around 6 year, then there was the oil pump passage fiasco. Many Subaru mechanics found using an anaerobic sealant was safer and superior to the spec rtv.
Planning ahead in a garage environment is not possible, the time spent cleaning and surface prep is unacceptable time is money, the work place usually less than ideal as far as cleanliness goes eg even the red grease rags commonly used in garages tend to have contaminants in them which if used to wipe down can cause a poor seal with the rtv.
One drop of oil, trans, or diff fluid can ruin the rtv seal right from the get go.
It is not a matter of lack of experience or know how it is the reality of the environment it is being used in, in the repair business environment a formed gasket generally provides superior results over a long period of time.
Instead of coming here with stuff like check their website I suggest you educate yourself a little better.
Start with this article.
https://jalopnik.com/scion-fr-s-and-subaru-brz-owners-say-engines-are-catast-1833220101
