Rtv Gasket Maker Versus Regular Rubber Gasket

mattjulien · February 24, 2009

Was wondering what all of your experiences were on this subject. I am deciding what to do with mine right now as it is leaking.

mattjulien · February 24, 2009

bump. i have a guy letting me use his lift for free tomorrow and i need to make a decision.

dlstewart01 · February 24, 2009

I'm a gasket guy. Has never let me down.

merlin5577 · February 24, 2009

I'm a gasket guy. Has never let me down.

+1, always prefered gaskets.

Matt_ · February 24, 2009

Synthetic fluids break down RTV sealer.... go with a real gasket to ensure a longer lasting seal

C & A s Dad · February 24, 2009

Matt, if you can find a Victor-Reinz Tuff Cork, that is my choice. This is shimmed cork gasket which means it has a metal shim sanwhiched between to cork layers.

Not sure where you are located, but we (CARQUEST) stock Victor.

MarkD · February 24, 2009

The Parts stores around here don't even carry the gaskets anymore.

Matt_ · February 24, 2009

The Parts stores around here don't even carry the gaskets anymore.

The dealers around me usually have some in stock. I think they're only about $8 or so too

slomo007 · February 24, 2009

I used both a gasket and RTV when I changed my rear diff fluid a few months ago. Figured, why not?

bubba33 · February 24, 2009

I use both also

mattjulien · February 24, 2009

thanks everyone for the replies. i think i will use both.

Ryan00TJ · February 25, 2009

I've done differentials for years using RTV. I've never had a leak and I beleive the Synthetic gear oil breaking down RTV is BS! I run Mobil 1 Syn in my Jeep with no leaks and also ran it in my Camaro SS. I have it in my truck now and it's not leaking.

Matt_ · February 25, 2009

Synthetic fluids can and do break down RTV type gaskets, sorry... but its chemistry, not BS.

I've seen diffs with RTV gaskets last forever with synthetic fluid, and i've seen others that started leaking within a year and I fixed em right up with a real gasket.

Just because YOU didn't have a leak doesn't mean its not true. We're here to provide the best information we can to others who care about their vehicles. Thus, when someone asks "should i use RTV or a real gasket on my diff cover with synthetic fluid", the correct answer is to use a real gasket.

merlin5577 · February 25, 2009

Synthetic fluids can and do break down RTV type gaskets, sorry... but its chemistry, not BS.

I've seen diffs with RTV gaskets last forever with synthetic fluid, and i've seen others that started leaking within a year and I fixed em right up with a real gasket.

Just because YOU didn't have a leak doesn't mean its not true. We're here to provide the best information we can to others who care about their vehicles. Thus, when someone asks "should i use RTV or a real gasket on my diff cover with synthetic fluid", the correct answer is to use a real gasket.

Hmm, didnt know that. What about synthetic fluid causes it to chemically react to the RTV? Just curious.

VR021302 · February 25, 2009

Synthetic fluids can and do break down RTV type gaskets, sorry... but its chemistry, not BS.

I've seen diffs with RTV gaskets last forever with synthetic fluid, and i've seen others that started leaking within a year and I fixed em right up with a real gasket.

Just because YOU didn't have a leak doesn't mean its not true. We're here to provide the best information we can to others who care about their vehicles. Thus, when someone asks "should i use RTV or a real gasket on my diff cover with synthetic fluid", the correct answer is to use a real gasket.

IF this is true like you say, then y do some manufacturers use RTV from the factory, even with syn fluid?