Discussion
By "ordinary building silicone" you mean the stuff you get at B&Q?
The engine version will be capable of withstanding higher temperatures and more resistant to degradation by oil/fuel.
Personally though I wouldn't use silicone round an engine because it has a tendency to squeeze lumps out when you tighten the bolts and the lumps can block oilways and cause mayhem. If "gasket goo" is required I use Hylomar and only put on a very thin smear.
The engine version will be capable of withstanding higher temperatures and more resistant to degradation by oil/fuel.
Personally though I wouldn't use silicone round an engine because it has a tendency to squeeze lumps out when you tighten the bolts and the lumps can block oilways and cause mayhem. If "gasket goo" is required I use Hylomar and only put on a very thin smear.
Silicon RTV is oil resistant, ordinary silicon sealer ISNT.
The downside to buying RTV (loctite etc) is its price, around 30 squids for a mastic sized tube, however it IS the very best you can get.
Dont be tempted to uses sealer on sump gaskets or cam cover gaskets as itll allow the gasket to be squeezed out when tightening it. RTV is primarily used for metal to metal gasket manufacture, such as on cast alloy sumps and gearbox casings and then only a smear in the form of a continuous bead needs to be applied.
hth.
The downside to buying RTV (loctite etc) is its price, around 30 squids for a mastic sized tube, however it IS the very best you can get.
Dont be tempted to uses sealer on sump gaskets or cam cover gaskets as itll allow the gasket to be squeezed out when tightening it. RTV is primarily used for metal to metal gasket manufacture, such as on cast alloy sumps and gearbox casings and then only a smear in the form of a continuous bead needs to be applied.
hth.
£30 sounds a bit expensive for RTV ??
Aside from that, Ive used normal building ( double glazing silicone actually ) on quite a few engines, and never had any problems. I can usually get it for nothing as I work on construction sites, so why not use it ??
Do not use silicone of any kind where it may come into contact with fuel.
While many like Hylomar, I hate the stuff. It may do its job, but its very messy.
Aside from that, Ive used normal building ( double glazing silicone actually ) on quite a few engines, and never had any problems. I can usually get it for nothing as I work on construction sites, so why not use it ??
Do not use silicone of any kind where it may come into contact with fuel.
While many like Hylomar, I hate the stuff. It may do its job, but its very messy.
Gassing Station | Engines & Drivetrain | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff