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So I've been using Ford Powerstroke-specific (Motorcraft) TA-31 RTV sealant in the small tube for years (F5TZ-19G204-AB, Wacker # T442, International # 1830858C1), but lately have noticed some of it appears "dried out", "old" , "stale" etc --- not sure if they've stopped making it or are they just trying to empty out old stock. Basically, TA-31's quality appears to be going south.....but It is chemically different from "equivalent" Permatex stuff (e.g. Ultra Gray) and has slightly better adhesion and temperature resistance properties (up to 650 degrees for TA-31 vice Ultra Gray's 500 degrees)
Chatted with a Permatex rep and they suggested their High Temp RTV (normally only used this on exhaust manifolds in the past)....................it's oil resistant, go up to 650 degrees, they say it works on Valve covers, oil pans, timing covers, water pumps, and thermostat housings.
Anyone using Permatex's High Temp RTV (red stuff) in place of TA-31 (it's also half the cost, double the quantity). The Wacker and International people are nuts --- charge $30 - $50 a tube for 5oz of their TA-31 versions.........
Every tube of TA 31 I've ever bought was set to expire within 6 months, so I'm sure there is some truth to what you are saying about old stock.
I find it a bit maddening when you need two dabs of something with 4.99999999999 oz of product left over that will likely not get used, at least not by someone like me who uses it so infrequently
If anyone had some sort of track record with a cheaper alternative, I would switch in a heartbeat.
I have had good results with Loctite SI 598 on oil exposed applications. I usually clean the surfaces with scotchbrite & Brakleen and then apply 598 with a small short nap adhesive roller to both surfaces. this produces a nice, even, thin coating. I let it set for a couple of minutes, then assemble and torque. I haven't had any leaks using this method. Good luck, Russ
Just got a "second opinion" from Permatex, this time from their Training, Tech Staff (below). It's $11 and change (from my supplier) for 5oz..................considerably less expensive than the 5 oz of TA-31......Permatex has never failed me in the past (frankly nor has the TA-31 up until recently with the stale products being shipped)............
All three of the items you listed can be substituted with Permatex Rights Stuff.
29208 5oz caulking tube
33694 10 oz full size caulking tube
Obviously, you're hung up on this so this isn't going to change you're approach.
The question would be, are these materials formulated to be anti-foaming of the oil for a motor oil-driven high-pressure hydraulic system. The original intent starting prior to the 6.0 was to prevent foaming of the oil which will interfere with injector operation and why we have Powerstroke specific sealants as RTV was an issue.
I view the price of TA-31 as just another gasket for the 6.0 (and 7.3). It's not out of line for some of the other specific gaskets, so if it becomes one and done, I'm OK with that.
Permatex Right Stuff @3oz around here is $13, but if $11 with tax would be $12. Getting TA-31 ONLY from RA gets it to me for
That's not enough of a difference for my assurance I'm not going to have an issue, foaming or leak, where I have to pull the front cover, HPOP cover, or god forbid the rear cover to correct. It's just another item of the long list of important things needed to reassemble a Powerstroke motor and if I have to toss 4oz of it I'm fine with it, the $16 and change has done its job.
The reasoning behind this product is that it will cure without being exposed to air, "Anaerobic", which avoids the mixing with oils in a sealed environment. Standard silicone sealants will mix with oil causing foaming which can have issues with injectors. Probably a better choice for differentials and any other enclosed environment that has limited exposure to standard atmospheric conditions such as valve covers and oil pans. It can and will start to cure in an unused tube. Many thread sealants have an expiration date for this reason.
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