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rtv sealant
cliftyhanger - 3/5/16 at 06:30 AM

Is there anything special about the little tubes of RTV sealants compared to neutral cure builders silicone?
In all honesty, it got me thinking as I use builders (especially the neutral cure one) stuff a lot, and car RTV rather infrequently, so usually need to go buy a tube each time. But if the same, a smear out of a big tube would save me grief (not to mention cash!)

Having a look on fleabay for RTV got me thinking, as you can get big tubes (ie 300ml) for not much more than the tiny 50g tubes.... but the little tubes are handy as it never lasts between jobs.

hizzi - 3/5/16 at 07:32 AM

basically yes , builder silicone contains acid it will corrode the metal, not really issue on cast iron hubs etc but not clever on alloys, there are hundereds of silicones, even the builder clear stuff isnt all the same you get high a low modulus some attacks plastic.

cliftyhanger - 3/5/16 at 08:52 AM

Oh, I understand there are many types, but the neutral cure stuff cures to a pretty tough, rubbery seal that seems to stick to everything well. And unlike some it is neutral, rather than giving off acetic acid.
Just a thought....

Slimy38 - 3/5/16 at 12:27 PM

quote:
Originally posted by cliftyhanger
Oh, I understand there are many types, but the neutral cure stuff cures to a pretty tough, rubbery seal that seems to stick to everything well. And unlike some it is neutral, rather than giving off acetic acid.
Just a thought....


I've always been told the stronger the smell, the better the adhesion... although it's probably one of those myths that get passed down from generation to generation.

hizzi - 3/5/16 at 04:21 PM

next time you are in a merchants pick up a data sheet for silicone, there is some amazing stuff available, i had issues with a cast exhaust manifold that was warped a few years back and the rep gave me this mega heat resistant stuff meant for steam boilers its been there since.