while im sitting here waiting for the 24 hours that permatex recommends, i just figured i would ask how long everyone waits to drive their cars after putting rtv on something. just got done with the oil pan gasket and waiting on it to dry. ive decided that between this and the cam swap (reason for needing to change the pan gasket) i have spend more time waiting on rtv to dry than i have working on the car, its kind of funny actually

 

I've always heard 24 hours is needed...After that you should be good to go...Anything less and you run the risk of it not sealing properly (which means it will probably start leaking all over again at some point later on down the line). Not sure if it is necessary to go beyond that though?

Mike

 

I waited over 24 hours to fire it up after getting the intake on. Its cheap insurance that you shouldnt have to pull anything back off, reclean said parts/mating surfaces. But a few hours should be ok for RTV to cure in case you're impatient.

 

Ive always just started it up as soon as it was back together and never had problems. 24 hours is fully set, 1 hour later it should hold ok though

 

Depends on the application.... if it for sealing a gasket, I typically fire ir right up...

If I'm MAKING a gasket with RTV, then I let it cure fully first; especially important with the Intake Gasket on the LT1 motors...

 

I put some on yesterday for my oil pan gasket(I ripped it ) I let it sit on there for about 3 or 4 hours before firing it up and I dident drive it untill tonite. So I guess I waited about 24 hours. And she isnt leaking right now (knock on wood) And that was after driving her for about 45 minutes.

 

how bout after cam install? I'm in the middle of mine right now and i don't know if i should wait very long. i want to fire it up as soon as possible so the oil doesn't have too much time to drip off the parts.

 

I have always waited the 24 hours to make sure. If you really want to fire it up, I am GUESSING that you could after a few hours and PROBABLY have no issues. Again, if possible I would wait.

 

We do the same thing on a jet, wait the 12 hours (that's what it is for our stuff). It ususally isn't ready before that unless you keep it in direct sunlight on a hot day, and that might save you an hour. It's worth just to wait

 

I use this stuff called "The Right Stuff". This **** blows RTV out of the water as far as gasket making. Not only can the item be used immediately, its a lot pastier than RTV and seems to seal many times better. Never have to wait when you use this stuff.

 

24 I take no chances