Can I use Liquid Gasket Sealant on OEM Gaskets?

[nerdydorkus]

I'm getting ready to do my up/down install tomorrow morning and I got everything I need. I bought new oem gaskets for the uppipe and I also bought "Hi-Temp RTV Silicone Gasket Sealant." Is this stuff safe to use with OEM gaskets. It says put a thin even coat to one side of the gasket, put it on the uppipe, then coat the other side of the gasket. I bought this stuff for a little extra insurance against leaks. It also says safe to use on paper or composite gaskets.

Let me know if I should use this stuff.

Thanks in advance.

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[nhluhr]

you want the stuff in the copper colored tube, not the red or black.

it's way more durable on exhaust parts.

By the way, it works best if you let it cure for at least 10 minutes before putting the gasket in place. Coat both sides thinly (you can hold the gasket by the edges) and then hang it on a hook on your wall or something to let it dry for a few minutes.

[nerdydorkus]

thanks, i took your advice and returned the black stuff i initally bought and got copper gasket sealant. I started up the car with no leaks at all. Only thing is this stuff takes much longer to cure. 2 hrs to set and 24 hours to cure. Have to make sure it cures fully or splatter might get into the turbo from the uppipe.


Dont laugh at me it took me 9 hrs to finish my up/down install. I overkilled everything (locktite on everything, torque everything to exact spec, anti-seize lubricant, copper gasket sealant) and wanted to make sure everything was perfect. I even modified the stock downpipe heatshield (with the shape of the cat) along with the turbo heatshield to fit the new downpipe.

[tube]

Nice job, now when you go to upgrade your turbo, it will be an even bigger pain in the ass!

I hope you know loctite breaks down at 400 degrees... You don't think your exhaust parts get that hot?

[nerdydorkus]

Originally Posted by tube

I hope you know loctite breaks down at 400 degrees... You don't think your exhaust parts get that hot?

uhh, didnt know that. now i feel stupid. oh well =P

[nhluhr]

It's ok... just check the exhaust bolts/nuts after you've driven a couple times... make sure they are all there and all still tight.

[cdvma]

I've found that the recommended torque settings are adequate so even with loctite failing, you should be ok since you torqued them properly. I've yet to see anyone I've installed an uppipe for come back with leaks and I've never used any extra stuff so you should be good. Feels good to be done doesn't it?

[jac04]

You may also be interested to know that the copper gasket maker is only good to 700F.

[nhluhr]

which is just fine for most of the exhaust. It's used more as a filler material to pack into the little crevices that might turn into leaks down the road.

[nicholam]

APS recomends you use that copper gasket stuff without a gasket if you have aps exhaust and a turbo. I was wary but after 5000 miles it's held up fine.

[jac04]

Originally Posted by nhluhr

which is just fine for most of the exhaust.

I agree, but he was specifically talking about using it on the uppipe. Even the high temp RTVs tend to turn brittle over time at those temps.

[nhluhr]

I use it on the uppipe too and although it does break down, it also contributes to a good seal by filling in small scratches or gaps that might turn into leaks later.

[dankEe]

9 hours?
wow
lol
alot of breaks huh
- Danny

[nerdydorkus]

Originally Posted by dankEe

9 hours?
wow
lol
alot of breaks huh
- Danny

actually no, i am just really a perfectionist.

[nhluhr]

I work really slow too when I have no time constraint

[REDI-wgn]

Originally Posted by nerdydorkus

Only thing is this stuff takes much longer to cure. 2 hrs to set and 24 hours to cure.

Is that the spray one that you used ?

Reason I ask because i use the spray one and its definitely not that long to cure

[nerdydorkus]

Originally Posted by REDI-wgn

Is that the spray one that you used ?

Reason I ask because i use the spray one and its definitely not that long to cure

nope, no spray. i got the tube one and spreaded it evenly on the gasket with my fingers. then i knifeedged the inside hole of the gasket to remove excess sealant.