Finding the best gasket sealant suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Reviews
1. Permatex 81724 Sensor-Safe Ultra Blue RTV Silicone Gasket Maker, 3.35 oz. Tube
Feature
These Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specified gaskets resist auto and shop fluids, as well as vibrationEight times more flexible than cork/composite gaskets
Three times more oil resistant than conventional silicones
Sensor-safe, low odor, non-corrosive
Suggested Applications: Valve covers, oil pans, timing covers, transmission pans, differential covers
Description
Permatex Ultra Blue Multipurpose RTV Silicone Gasket Makers are sensor-safe, low odor and non-corrosive, with outstanding oil resistance and joint movement values. Developed to meet today's technology changes, Permatex ultra silicones are eight times more flexible than cork/composite gaskets and three times more oil resistant than conventional silicones. With a temperature range of -65 degrees fahrenheit to 500 degrees fahrenheit intermittent, these OEM specified gaskets resist auto and shop fluids, as well as vibration. These gasket makers offer significant performance advantages, excellent torque retention and hi-temp, sensor-safe properties. Permatex always has the right gasket maker for your application.2. Permatex 82180 Ultra Black Maximum Oil Resistance RTV Silicone Gasket Maker, 3.35 oz. Tube
Feature
Sensor-safe, non-corrosive formula designed for superior adhesion to oily surfaces and long term durabilitySuperior resistance to powertrain fluids including engine oil, transmission fluid, gear lube and coolants
Retains high flexibility and eliminates the need for pre-formed, pre-cut, paper, rubber or cork gaskets; OEM specified and approved for dealership warranty requirements
Temperature Range -65F to 500F (-54C to 260C) intermittent
Suggested Applications: Valve covers, oil pans, intake manifold end seals, timing covers, and differential covers
Description
Permatex Ultra Black Maximum Oil Resistance RTV Silicone Gasket Maker is a fast-curing, sensor safe, low odor, non-corrosive formula that retains high flexibility, and oil resistance properties through use of a patented adhesion system. This gasket maker meets performance specs of OE silicone gaskets and is OEM specified. For dealership warranty requirements it also ensures extended drivetrain warranty compliance. Temperature range -65 degrees fahrenheit to 500 degrees fahrenheit intermittent; resists auto and shop fluids and vibration. These gasket makers offer significant performance advantages, excellent torque retention and hi-temp, sensor-safe properties. Extended warranties, engine sensors and new component materials such as aluminum, bi-metal alloys and high-tech plastics, have created the need for superior RTV silicone gasket makers in both OEM production and service applications. Permatex always has the right gasket maker for your application.3. Permatex 81878 Ultra Copper Maximum Temperature RTV Silicone Gasket Maker, 3 oz. Tube
Feature
Most advanced, high temp RTV silicone gasket availableThree times more oil resistant than conventional silicones; eight times more flexible than cut gaskets
Sensor-safe, low odor, and non-corrosive with superior adhesion
Temperature range -75F to 700F intermittent
Suggested Applications: Exhaust manifolds/headers, valve covers, oil pans, timing covers, water pumps, thermostat housings
Description
Permatex Ultra Copper Maximum Temperature RTV Silicone Gasket Maker is the most advanced, high temp RTV silicone gasket available. Three times more oil resistant than conventional silicones and eight times more flexible than cut gaskets, it is sensor-safe, low odor, and non-corrosive with superior adhesion. Highest operating temperatures for 4-cylinder, turbocharged or high-performance engines and OEM specified, with a temperature range of -75 degrees fahrenheit to 700 degrees fahrenheit intermittent. Also resists auto and shop fluids and vibration. These gasket makers offer significant performance advantages, excellent torque retention and hi-temp, sensor-safe properties. Extended warranties, engine sensors and new component materials such as aluminum, bi-metal alloys and high-tech plastics, have created the need for superior RTV silicone gasket makers in both OEM production and service applications. Permatex always has the right gasket maker for your application.4. Permatex 80016 Form-A-Gasket #2 Sealant, 3 oz.
Feature
Slow-drying, non-hardening sealant approved for use in aviation as well as automotive applicationsDesigned for dressing/sealing cut gaskets on flexible/stamped parts
Allows for easy disassembly if required; resists gasoline, oil and grease
Temperature Range: -65F to 400F (-54C to 204C)
Suggested Applications: Valve cover gaskets, and oil pan gaskets
Description
Permatex Form-A-Gasket #2 Sealant is a slow-drying, non-hardening sealant designed for sealing cut gaskets and stamped parts. For use where sealing is more important than adhesion, this sealant allows for easy disassembly if required. Resists common shop fluids and fuels, with a temperature range of -65 degrees Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. When a chemical gasket is not an option, Permatex offers a wide range of gasket sealants suitable for applications on both import and domestic vehicles of any model year or performance caliber.5. Permatex 22071 Water Pump and Thermostat RTV Silicone Gasket, 0.5 oz.
Feature
Sensor-safe, noncorrosive RTV silicone gasket material formulated specifically for water pumps and thermostat housingsHighest water-glycol resistance available in an RTV silicone
Superior adhesion and flexibility; can be used as a gasket maker or dressing
Temperature Range: -65F to 500F (-54C to 260C) intermittent
Suggested Applications: Water pump and thermostat housings
Description
Permatex Water Pump and Thermostat RTV Silicone Gasket is a non-corrosive, sensor-safe RTV silicone gasket material formulated specifically for water pumps and thermostat housings. This gasket maker has the highest water-glycol resistance available in an RTV silicone. With a temperature range of -65 degrees fahrenheit to 500 degrees fahrenheit intermittent, these gasket makers offer significant performance advantages, excellent torque retention and hi-temp, sensor-safe properties. Extended warranties, engine sensors and new component materials such as aluminum, bi-metal alloys and high-tech plastics, have created the need for superior RTV silicone gasket makers in both OEM production and service applications. Permatex always has the right gasket maker for your application.6. Permatex 80019 Aviation Form-A-Gasket No. 3 Sealant, 4 oz.
Feature
Slow-drying, non-hardening brush-top sealantResists gasoline, oil and grease
Approved for use in aviation as well as automotive applications
Suggested Applications: Close-fitting machined surfaces, sealing hoses, solid gaskets
Temperature range of -65F to 400F
Description
Permatex Aviation Form-A-Gasket No. 3 Sealant is a slow-drying, non-hardening brush-top sealant approved for use in aviation as well as automotive applications. Gasoline, oil and grease resistant, it has a temperature range of -65 degrees fahrenheit to 400 degrees fahrenheit. Suggested applications include close-fitting machined surfaces, sealing hoses, and solid gaskets. When a chemical gasket is not an option, Permatex offers a wide range of gasket sealants suitable for applications on both import and domestic vehicles of any model year or performance caliber.7. Permatex 81160 High-Temp Red RTV Silicone Gasket, 3 oz
Feature
Formulated for hi-temp applications, or heavy-duty useReplaces almost any cut gasket, and coats pre-cut gaskets to increase reliability
Makes reliable 'formed-in-place' gaskets that resist cracking, shrinking and migrating
Temperature range of -65F to 650F intermittent
Suggested Applications: Valve covers, oil pans, timing covers, water pumps, thermostat housings, transmission pans
Description
Permatex High-Temp Red RTV Silicone Gasket Maker is formulated for high temperature applications or heavy-duty use such as towing. It replaces almost any cut gasket by making reliable 'formed-in-place' gaskets that resist cracking, shrinking and migrating caused by thermal cycling. Coats pre-cut gaskets to increase reliability. Resists auto and shop fluids, with a temperature range of -65 degrees fahrenheit to 650 degrees fahrenheit intermittent. A first generation 1970-1980 gasket maker, it is OEM specified. Permatex offers significant performance advantages which include outstanding oil resistance, excellent torque retention and hi-temp, sensor-safe properties. Extended warranties, engine sensors and new component materials such as aluminum, bi-metal alloys and high-tech plastics, have created the need for superior RTV silicone gasket makers in both OEM production and service applications. Permatex always has the right gasket maker for your application.8. Permatex 80062 High Tack Gasket Sealant, 4 oz.
Feature
Reliable, fast-drying, all-purpose sealant dries to a highly tacky, non-brittle film; remains tacky indefinitelyTacky paste for holding cut gaskets in place during assembly; helps seal cut gaskets
Resists gasoline, oil, antifreeze, axle lube, kerosene, propane and butane; sensor-safe
Temperature Range: -65F to 500F (-54C to 260C)
Suggested Applications: Valve covers, fuel pumps, carburetors, manifold gaskets; seals any rubber, cork, paper or composite gasket
Description
Permatex High Tack Gasket Sealant is a fast-drying all-purpose sealant that dries to a highly tacky, non-brittle film. A reliable general adhesive remains tacky indefinitely - can be applied in advance for convenience in assembly. Remains effective at temperatures of -65F to 500F (-54C to 260C). Sensor-safe and resistant to gasoline, oil, antifreeze, axle lube, kerosene, propane and butane.9. J-B Weld 31314 Red High Temperature RTV Silicone Gasket Maker and Sealant - 3 oz.
Feature
Red RTV silicone gasketing material designed for use in high temperature mechanical assembliesGreat for oil pans, valve covers, exhaust manifolds, differential covers and more
Temperature resistant up to 650 degrees Fahrenheit
Sets in 1 hour and will not shrink or crack
J-B Weld is proudly made in the USA
Description
J-B Weld Hi-Temp Red RTV Silicone Gasket Maker and SealantJ-B Weld Hi-Temp Red Silicone Gasket Maker and Sealant is an RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanized) Silicone gasketing material, designed for use in mechanical assemblies where the existence of higher, continuous temperatures up to 550 degrees F or 650 degrees F intermittent might exist. Upon curing, which occurs when the product is exposed to the moisture in air, the silicone forms a tough, waterproof seal on most surfaces. It will not shrink or crack, resists weathering, is sensor safe and is great for many automotive applications.
Great for:
Use on:
Instructions
1. Prepare:Clean surface area of dirt, grease, oil, paint or loose debris. For best results use a detergent or degreaser to first clean the surface, then roughen surface with file or coarse sandpaper to provide the best repair.
2. Apply: Apply even, continuous inch bead of Silicone to one surface area. Surround all bolt holes with Silicone.
3. Assemble: Reconnect parts while Silicone is wet.
4. Secure: Hand tighten until Silicone begins to squeeze out.
5. Dry: Allow drying for 1 hour and then tighten an additional 1/2 turn.
6. Finish: Scrape or cut away excess cured sealant. Silicone will fully cure in 24 hours.
J-B Weld is proudly made in the USA
10. Permatex 81158 Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant, 3 oz. Tube
Feature
Sensor-safe, general purpose black RTV indoor/outdoor sealantSeals, bonds, repairs, mends and secures glass, metal, plastics, fabric, vinyl, weather stripping and vinyl tops
Waterproof and flexible; resists water, weather, and vibration
Temperature Range: -75F to 450F (-59C to 232C)
Suggested Applications: Door frames, electrical connections, seams and roofs, vinyl tops, and weather stripping; protects and repairs electrical wiring