Browsing through these boards and looking over Permatex's website - I still can't make sense of choosing the "right product for the job".

I have a small leak from what initially appears to be where the oil pan meets the timing cover. I see many have used "ultra black". I saw a post regarding a temporary fix smearing some "gray" over the leaky area (after cleaning it of course) - which I may try.

But how do you guys choose your sealer and gasket maker. Even if you read descriptions and open the "PDF" instruction sheets for the products they list (high temp, high temp red, blue, ultra blue, ultra copper, ultra black, gray, etc. - not to mention gasket "dressings") there is a tremendous amount of crossover listed for adhesion, flexibility, vibration, fluid resistence, etc., etc..

How can every one be "superior" or "unsurpassed"?

 

why not drop the pan and install a new gasket? Black RTV would be sufficient. Although i LOVE Ultra Copper RTV.

 

Use the import grey or The "Right Stuff"

Thats all I use

 

Ultra black is best suited for engine oil, Ultra grey for gear oil (Diff. covers), Flange sealant for two smoothe machined surfaces, Ultra copper for exhaust flange, Right Stuff for trans pans.

 

Is that from experience? You sound confident. I certainly can't get that definitive info from the product descriptions. That's where I have a problem.

 

Yes, lots of experience over many years. Also stay away from anything blue or clear, despite their descriptions there not really good for anything.

Yeah, the product descriptions are confusing at best simply because any compound will seal anything for a short amount of time. The correct compound will stay sealed for a really long time.

 

Ditto or +1 on permatex "Right Stuff" Bar none this is the most versatile, useful gasketing out there that "I" have ever found.
I wouldn't buy anything else.
Tal

 

Ultra Copper! I have it exactly in the spot by the timing cover and pan.