Gasketing

Nothing’s worse than having to do a job over again because of a leak, but that’s what can happen if the wrong sealant is used or the mating surfaces aren’t prepared properly. As you can see from the huge variety of products on the page before you, sealing has become a science, and we have the specialized sealants required for specific materials, applications, temperature ranges, chemical exposure, degree of permanency, etc.

Effective sealing starts with proper surface preparation. Gasket removers used to be considered a luxury, but in fact, trying to scrape off old gasket material and silicone without them can often create gouged mating surfaces that can result in leak paths. With our gasket removers and silicone dissolvers, you’ll be able to remove even the most stubborn, baked on gasket and sealant material with ease, and without marring sealing surfaces.

To make a lasting, leak-proof seal there are many factors to consider including the application, chemicals to which the sealant will be exposed, temperature range, curing time, and whether a gasket is required or available. But that’s no cause for confusion because we have product for every criteria. If you’re using a gasket we have gasket sealers and dressings in tube, brush-on and spray-on versions for many applications and temperature ranges. Because they help gaskets stay in place, they can be used as an assembly aid. They also fill in minor imperfections, and most are resistant to common chemicals and fuels.

If you don’t have a gasket or one isn’t needed, we have a large assortment of gasket makers. Anaerobic gasket material cures in the absence of air and parts can be assembled immediately upon application. These sealers are great for metal-to-metal flanged surfaces and for emergency repairs. Common applications are water pumps and thermostat housings. RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing) Silicone gasket makers come in a variety of temperature ranges and chemical resistance properties, and can seal gaps of up to 1/8” or more. Many are “sensor safe” and won’t interfere with oxygen sensor operation.

Many products are easy to select because they are made for specific applications and labeled accordingly; water pump & thermostat RTV, and automatic transmission RTV are examples. Gear oil RTV is ideal for differential and transfer case use because it’s specially formulated to withstand the friction modifiers in gear oil that can break down ordinary RTV. Copper sealants help dissipate heat and improve heat transfer. Copper spray sealant is ideal for head and exhaust manifold gaskets, while copper RTV silicone gasket makers are perfect for sealing applications on hot running turbocharged and high-performance engines.