To RTV or not to RTV...

[PoorManQ45]

...That is the question

I recently received the water neck that I broke awhile back. I am wondering what I should use for a gasket. (thanks to that guy in Colorado)

Should I just use RTV? If so, what color, Red, Blue, or Grey? What brand?

Or should I make a physical gasket out of gasket rubber material, cork, or something else?

Last time I tried to put the part back on, I made a gasket out of Water Pump gasket material. I am wondering if the gasket material may have caused the part to crack. Meaning that the gasket may have been too thick, and when I went to tighten the bolt, the part may have twisted on the gasket. Is it possible that the the added thickness of the gasket caused the part to twist and shear? Which would have put additional stress on the part, causing it to crack?

What are the different colors of RTV used for? Is one brand better then another? I would like to keep the cost under $10, if that's not possible, I would like to keep it under $20.

As another option. Has anyone ever tried using High Temperature Silicon(e)? I have a few tubes of it in the garage, but I don't know if it will last when exposed to Radiator Fluid, and other engine stresses.

[elwesso]

use regular RTV.....

I had some permatex red... I think, its all about the same.. you dont want that copper stuff...

I think using a gasket would be retarted.....

[Jesda]

Whats the difference? I've used the red RTV (copper) stuff on anything and everything.

[elwesso]

its just kind of a personal prefernece thing... It says to use nissan geniune stuff, and the red/blue stuff is most similar.....

Copper is probably OK but i would recommend the other stuff...

[PoorManQ45]

Are there any specific brands that I should look for? Or rather, any brands that I should avoid?

[1qckser]

The cooper works fine, but This is the one you want, PERMATEX® ULTRA GREY® Gasket Maker--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Designed for high torque applications (predominantly Japanese designs)requiring a unique RTV gasket. Exceeds manufacturers' performancerequirements. Low odor, non-corrosive. Outstanding oil resistance.Guaranteed not to leak. Temperature range -75°F to 625°F intermittent;resists auto and shop fluids and vibration.

Suggested Applications:Valve covers, oil pans, intake manifold end seals, timing covers,water pumps, thermostat housings

[squeefoo]

Permatex, don't use PL300! j/k $4 - 5 for a tube

[gniknave]

PMQ I just did this last weekend. Not sure if we're talking about the same thing but I attempted to use a gasket and failed to all hell with coolant sprays everywhere. I used blue RTV. No problems.

[Q451990]

My local dealership uses Permatex Ultra Grey, and that's what I've used. Less than $10 at AutoZone, etc. T3 uses a BG black RTV, but I doubt it's available to the general public. I'd get the grey...

Heath