RTV Silicone or Gasket Sealing Compound

turco555

Cadet
Joined
Aug 25, 2020
Messages
9
Why is it recommended to use a joint sealing compound (solvent based) and not rtv silicone in marine applications? I have been doing a lot of research and they inform me that rtv silicone is better when no gasoline is used. That's why I don't understand why the other is used.

OMC sterndrive electric shift upper and lower unit.
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,338
Two very different materials for two very different applications....

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Sealant is a dark reddish brown, viscous liquid with a characteristic alcoholic odor. It is a slow drying, liquid that changes to a pliable, tacky film through solvent evaporation. It seals close fitting parts,machined surfaces and threaded connections in industrial,aircraft, marine and automotive applications.

PRODUCT BENEFITSFor close tolerance flangesSlow dryingFlexible settingWithstands pressures to 5000 psi

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Solid gasket dressingClose fitting machined surfacesThreaded connectionsAviation enginesMarine engines

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Clear Silicone Adhesive Sealant is a general purpose, single component, room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) compound, designed for the sealing of mechanical assemblies. Upon curing from the exposure to moisture in the air, this non-sagging paste forms a tough, flexible, waterproof seal of silicone rubber, which resists aging, weathering and thermal cycling without hardening, shrinking or cracking.

PRODUCT BENEFITSEasy applicationApplied to horizontal or vertical surfacesSuperior adhesion and flexibilityWaterproofsInsulatesUnaffected by vibrationNon-flammableNon-toxic
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
It's been my experience that solvent based sealants work well and easily separate and clean during disassembly.

RTV work well if you never have to disassemble and are darned near permanent. If you do manage to separate the parts, RTV resists cleaning from surfaces.

IMHO
 
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