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I've got a leaky cam plug, and I bought some Permatex High-Temp Red RTV (and a new plug) to use as the sealant for it. I've been searching around to make sure this is fine to use, but I've gotten mixed signals.

So, can I use Permatex Red to seal a cam plug? If not, what can I use that is available at auto parts stores? (I'm aware of Hondabond, but the dealer is considerably farther from me than run-of-the-mill auto parts stores.)

 
Rep Power: 511

I don't see why not. I use the permatex black 1-minute stuff and it works fine

 
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You'll want to use the most oil-resistant sealant you can, there. Permatex Ultra Black is my go-to for most jobs, very easy to work with. Put my new plug (and EGR gasket) in on Sunday.

 
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I just shove the dang plug in and let the O ring do its job.

 
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That's exactly what I do.

 
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I'd rather spend ten seconds adding a second layer of defense. The same can be claimed for a valve cover gasket... but they apparently require sealer as well. Minimum effort, maximum return -- now you can forget about it for the rest of the life of the car.

Sealer can be added without affecting the o-ring or its groove, just under the 'head' of the plug.

 
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Same here. My all time fav was the customer that wanted to silicone a HG.

 
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And you'd be justified. That comparison is a bit of a reach, though.

15 yrs wrenching (and fixing comebacks) on engines that spin @ 10 - 12K rpm 80% of their lives, with 14:1 compression, running 60 psi median oil pressure (Honda powersports). If an OEM part doesn't do its job, I don't wait for the factory to come to its senses if I want to pass tech.