Silicone sealant

I’ve been using some Loctite Copper RTV on the engine sealing some leaks and I was wondering if I should let it cure before starting the engine?

The instructions say it is tack free in 1 hour and cures to a depth of 6mm in 24 hours, I haven’t put that much on (just a smear) so does anyone know how long I should leave it ?

24 hours at least - be sure it’s cured

Steve Becker

Dave Bean doesn’t like RTV anywhere bits can come adrift and clog an oil passage. He recomends Hylomar(sp?).

…and Miles Wilkins doesn?t like Hylomar. He recommends Silicoen RTV instead. QED sold me Hermetite clear silicone sealer for fitment of cam cover halfmoons for example.
I used Hylomar all my life on Land Rover engines and gearboxes and never had any problems though.
My advice is: never use too much (of any) and let it cure fully

Thanks chaps,

I’ve had to leave it 24 hours anyway as it turned out - more brake messing. Good to know for the future anyway.

I had oil coming out of the right hand head to front cover bolt and this is where I aplied the RTV (under the bolt head). Dunno if it’s going to work…

I should know by now to never rush things with a Lotus :blush:

What amazes me is that you only had oil coming out of one place…

Ralph.