How to Use Permatex
Permatex is an innovative liquid tool found in almost every auto repair shop. Different formulas of the product are used for different applications. Starting in 1909, Constant A. Benoit Sr. invented a vegetable oil (proponol) and rosin-based product to prevent bicycle tires from separating from the rims. One hundred years and more than 1,200 different products later, Permatex is now synonymous in the automotive repair industry with creating a non-hardening sealant that can assist in sealing formed gaskets or replacing gaskets altogether.
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Things You'll Need
- Gasket scraper
- Die grinder
- Reconditioning discs (for die grinder)
- Torque specifications chart
- Torque wrench (inch and foot pounds when applicable)
- Socket set (appropriate drive to accommodate torque wrench)
- Parts cleaner
- Shop rags
- Permatex RTV Gasket Sealer (appropriate color for intended purpose)
- Safety glasses
Instructions
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1
Put on the safety glasses.
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2
Clean the mating surfaces of the components you intend to seal. Start by using the gasket scraper to clean off the old gasket and any other corrosive buildup on the mating surfaces (both sides).
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3
Clean detachable mating surfaces in a parts cleaner (console model or spray). Wipe the detachable mating surface component dry with a clean shop rag. Spray the permanent mating surface (non-detachable) with spray parts cleaner.
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4
Clean both sides of the mating surface components with a die grinder and reconditioning disc. Be sure the reconditioning disc is the correct grade of coarseness for the job intended.
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5
Re-clean the components with parts cleaner and then wipe dry with a clean shop rag.
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6
Apply a quarter-inch bead of Permatex RTV gasket sealant along the center of one side of the mating surface. Usually this would be the non-detachable side, such as a differential or engine block side of a valve cover gasket, intake manifold, thermostat housing or any other intended surface. Be careful and read the instructions on the Permatex product. Do not allow any Permatex to enter a differential chamber or any other chamber where the gasket could interfere with moving parts and compromise the component you're sealing. Be sure to apply the bead on the outside of bolt holes in the flange connections of the components.
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7
Connect the mating surfaces together. Install bolts and tighten hand tight until the Permatex squeezes out slightly between the connection. Allow one to two hours for the Permatex to cure.
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8
Torque the connected components to the proper torque specifications (refer to the torque specifications chart). Depending on the connecting components, the specifications could be in inch or foot pounds. Use the appropriate torque wrench and socket to tighten the connection. Allow enough time to pass (refer to the Permatex instructions) before adding petroleum-based products to the reservoir of the connection (if applicable). Permatex is designed to cure and seal quickly, but in some applications, such as transmission pans, more curing time may be necessary before filling the pan.
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Tips & Warnings
Permatex comes in different grades and colors (see Resources). Black RTV Permatex is an oil-resistant product that is used for differentials, intake manifolds, transmission pans and other similar connections that contain concentrated petroleum-based products. Blue RTV Permatex is used for connections where electrical sensors might be integrated with the component because the sealant will not interfere with the performance of the sensor. Red RTV Permatex is used for high temperature connections, such as exhaust manifold and exhaust pipe flange connections.
