How long after applying sealant to a car engine can it be used normally?
2 Answers
After applying sealant to a car engine, it can be used normally after 48 hours. Below are detailed introductions about car engines: 1. Overview: A car engine is a device that provides power for a car, determining its power performance, fuel economy, stability, and environmental friendliness. Depending on the power source, car engines can be divided into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric vehicle motors, and hybrids, among others. 2. Others: Common gasoline and diesel engines are both reciprocating piston internal combustion engines, capable of converting the chemical energy of fuel into the mechanical energy of piston movement and outputting power externally. Gasoline engines have high rotational speeds, are lightweight, produce less noise, are easy to start, and have low manufacturing costs. Diesel engines have high compression ratios, high thermal efficiency, and better fuel economy and emission performance than gasoline engines.
Last year, I replaced the valve cover gasket myself, and after applying the sealant, my biggest concern was when I could start the engine. The mechanic repeatedly emphasized that regular RTV silicone sealant typically skins over in about an hour but takes a full 24 hours to fully cure. I ended up waiting a full day before daring to start the engine, mainly because I was afraid the sealant hadn’t hardened enough, which could lead to oil leaks. If you use anaerobic gasket sealant, it dries faster, but you still need to wait at least 4 hours before exposing it to engine oil. It’s best to let the car sit in a cool place for the full recommended time—even if you’re in a hurry, don’t start it in less than 8 hours. After starting, let the engine idle for 20 minutes to allow the sealant to undergo secondary curing as the engine warms up. Then, after a couple of days, check underneath the car for any leaks—this is a lesson learned the hard way.
