The key in Ruthless' method lies in the "pliable" part. If he's talking about doing it the way I do it, then nothing is installed when the RTV is still fresh from the tube. I let it sit until the RTV has dried a little bit, then install and tighten bolts but not torqued. I've never had problems with my method.

 

I've installed and torqued both the upper pan and lower when the RTV was tacky. Never had an issue.

 

As with most automotive products, there are instructions on the RTV. You let the RTV setup for about 5 minutes then put the parts together. You let dry for usually 4-6 hours. 24 hours is fine, but not neccesary.

As you are laying down the bead you push it back every few millimeters. So the bead almost looks like a nice MIG weld. Which they say resembles a roll of dimes. If you just lay down a straight bead you can easily get air pockets, thin areas and leaks. Which can blow out when under pressure.

 

Word. When it's pliable it still has some tack, and self-levels around the bolts and the width of the flange.

 

We're doin' it right.

Probably because the RTV tube itself says to do it our way. Honestly I've never read the tube, but that's how I was taught in school so that's how I do it. Nissan probably assumes their techs were taught this as well.

 

Permatex Right Stuff is advertised as "Torque and Go", and it says you can put the vehicle back into service immediately.

The instructions for Permatex Permatex Ultra Copper RTV Silicone Gasket says

"6. Assemble parts immediately while silicone is still wet. Secure or tighten to recommended torque specs.
7. Re-torque will not be necessary after the product has cured."

It's always best to read and follow the instructions on the product you're using.

 

I actually just did this yesterday because my lower oil pan was weeping a bit ... not a big leak at all. But for the $8 tube of RTV it was worth it.

I let the RTV cure a full 24hrs and then did a final torque on the bolts and I am not seeing any leaks as of yet.

I think one of the most important things when doing this is making sure the mating surfaces are clean clean clean before applying the RTV.

Joe.

 

Just to remove any doubt, I went to the Section GI page 45 of the '08 service manual, where they call for Permatex Ultra Grey Silicone RTV.

Then I went to the Permatex site to get the instructions for that sealant. They're the same as the instructions I quoted earlier for Ultra Copper RTV Silicone Gasket.

6. Assemble parts immediately while silicone is still wet.
Secure or tighten to recommended torque specs.
7. Re-torque will not be necessary after the product has
cured.

The service manual doesn't say anything about waiting because the product instructions say to do it immediately.

 

I am reading the back of the package of Permatex Ultra Copper Hi-Temp Gasket Maker.

"..Assemble parts immediately while silicone is still wet. Finger tighten until material begins to squeeze out around flange. Allow to dry for one hour then retighten 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Silicone will skin over in one hour and fully cure in 24 hours."

I am not sure if there would be a difference between the ultra grey and ultra copper instructions though.

 

Is this the same RTV used for the rocker cover/ valve cover gasket maker as show on the FSM as:

Silicone RTV

999MP-AM003P
(Ultra Grey)

Permatex Ultra Grey
82194;
Three Bond
1207,1215, 1216,
1217F and 1217G;
Nissan RTV Part No.
999MP-A7007

OR:

Anaerobic Liquid Gasket

999MP-AM001P

Permatex 51813 and
51817


Thanks for your help, need an answer soon as my car will be bone dry haha!

 

Advance also sells a gasket.