Need RTV advice, please advise....

[sidevalve8ba]

RTV gasket maker/sealer is mighty handy stuff in the right situation. I use it on my old Fords as well as my daily drivers. It's good for thermostat housings, water pumps, etc. What I find annoying is open a tube, use it once and go to use it again and can't get any to come out of the tube! I've poked sharp things in the end and squeezed and done about everything I could think of to get it to come out short of slicing the tube open. Anyone got any foolproof suggestions?

Thanks!

[flatford8]

Clean out the applicator tip when your done and make sure it’s sealed tight. It’s not a sure thing but it helps the next time you want to use it...... Mark

[JWL]

I have had some success using a drill of about 5/32 diameter to "drill out" the solidified section.

[Bob C]

Originally Posted by JWL

I have had some success using a drill of about 5/32 diameter to "drill out" the solidified section.

That's what I do also.

[rotorwrench]

I leave the silicon to harden in the applicator cone tube. The key is to use the stuff often enough that it doesn't harden below the screw thread opening. It takes around 3-weeks to a month to solidify that far. If you don't use it that often, Pull the applicator tube off and screw the cap back on. It's not hard to get the stuff out of the applicator tube but it is hard to get in out of the screw thread opening.

[Ross F-1]

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I thought the stuff in the pressurized can would solve this problem. It's also really easy to do a large/long gasket surface like an oil pan with a uniform bead. The can remained usable for over a year, but ultimately it too hardened in the spout, and with the can pressurized, not a lot I could do.

[RalphM]

We use the big “ caulking gun “ tubes in our shop. The best way we have found is to squeeze out about an inch of RTV when you’re done let it harden, the next time just pull it out it will pull the Hardened portion with it.

[flatjack9]

I always make sure that I squeeze enough out to fill the cap so there is no air space above the RTV.

[1931flathead]

I use the right stuff

[aussie merc]

try storing it in the fridge extends the shelf life beyond belief just got to remember to take it out 20 minuets before you want to use it [good excuse for a coffee]

[5851a]

Maybe ND can help but I bought a tube of silicone from Ford on recommendation of the Ford mechanic. Told me it was the same stuff they got in the caulking gun tubes. Ford used it instead of valve cover gaskets and rear diff cover in 1978. Neither ever leaked a drop. I used that tube for small stuff for 3 years! Wish I could remember part number. Thought it started D7 something. Probably toxic now days.

[G.M.]

I don't think there is anywhere on a flathead that RTV should be used except
in the corners of the pan. G.M.

[flatjack9]

I use it to hold the thermostats in the 8BA housings. And the corners of the pan.

[tubman]

I'm with youse guys.

[FlatheadTed]

The red pan gasket glue I think is the clear stuff with oxide colour added ,I use just the clear in the calking gun ,don't asked me were ,it will stand quite a heat ,to store it Ralph M or have a bucket of water and leave it in this works for urethane to, Paint cans store upside down providing there's no major leaks it will seal the air .Ted

[Tim Ayers]

I plan to use it around the dip stick boss on the pan when I re-install it. That pesky leak bugs the heck out me.