Too many RTV silicones. Which one has the most wide applicability/compatibility?

Red, grey, blue, black. Permatex, Loctite, JB Weld. I just want to buy one or two to keep on hand in case I need them, which one can be used for the most application?

 

"The Right Stuff" can be used for just about everything to include differentials and gear oil boxes and will probably best suit your needs for emergencies etc.

If that's all the info you need then stop here.


But if you want to learn a little bit more:

It appears you may have some misinformation...

You should always use the right tool for the right job for best results and while a pretty good product "The Right Stuff" isn't always the right stuff.

Loc-Tite is just a brand name (though they do make flange sealant it's not an RTV) most known for their thread locking compounds. You put it on the threads of nuts and bolts that you don't want coming apart from vibration and it is very important to be used and observed properly.

There's two semi-permanent blues, standard for dry applications, and blue that is oil tolerant, and then there's red which is considered permanent you must use considerable heat to release its Bond when it comes time for disassembly or you will snap bolts.

If you want something that's removable but will still give you vibration anti back out resistance look into orange Vibra-tite.

J-B Weld should almost never be used unless it's an emergency, it's a two-part epoxy like substance that's reinforced with fibers and is used for makeshift repairs for example you knocked a hole in your oil pan you can smudge it on there and hope for the best but it's not a recommended fix.

Red RTV is typically what's used for anything that will be in contact with gear oil which contains high sulfur content this includes differentials and transmissions.

Gray is typically only found on initial assembly, it's used in the factory and is almost always replaced with fipg 103 or 102 when doing a repair or maintenance.

FIPG 103 and 102 is Black, one is for the oil pan and valve covers and similar, and one is for the water pump and it takes longer to dry. I don't remember which is which off the top of my head but I believe I only ever use 103 and I'm pretty sure that's the one that can do both.

Blue RTV is typically only found on domestic vehicles and usually then I see it on steel to steel surfaces whereas FIPG is used on steel to aluminum and or aluminum to aluminum surfaces.

Permatex is just another brand name they make a wide array of product to include windshield chip repair, it in itself is not a sealant.

RTV and or FIPG (Form In Place Gasket)

Hope this helps clear up any confusion.

 

That def helps. I mentioned the other brands because I saw their RTV products right next to the Permatex stuff. I'll stick to the one you mentioned though.