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Not sure if this was a good or bad idea. I was gasketless and since it was taking the dealer awhile to track down a replacement I used red RTV to seal my alternator cover. Is that going to cause any harm or will that hold me for a week or two?

It should be fine ... but make sure you get all that crud off of there when you get the gasket, or the gasket won't seal properly.

RTV makes a fine gasket, I used it on my CB360 to avoid the expensive ones. But the rub:

DON'T PUT TOO MUCH ON!!!!


A very very very thin layer will do the trick. Excess will cause beads of rubber on the inside edge of the sealing surfaces. This bead can break off, and get caught in places it should not be.

Also, don't use on carbs. Gas causes it to soften, gel up, and will also get caught in places you don't want it to.

Don't ask me how I know

Also, if used excesively on valve cover gaskets or any others that may allow it to get in the oil, it can plug oil lines and get you in big trouble.

If RTV is used to seal any surface that contacts the oil, some of it will end up in the oil. I've never seen an open engine where it was used that didn't have some laying in the deadspots. As long as you use some restraint and common sense with the stuff, it doesn't seem to be much harm. Go overboard though, and your begging for blocked passages and a by-passing filter..... like the old guy said.

if you cant find a gasket they do make gasket material that you can purchase and cut out your own. I have done it and it works great..