Engine sealing paste / RTV - what do you use?

[Micha]

What material is recommended but with a long shelf life?
My problem is that when I start a project, I buy myself a tube with quality material, and when I am nearing the end of the project, the material - although I make sure to close and seal it well - has undergone a drying process and is already viscous and unapplicable. Then I find myself running around looking for more or thinking of other solutions.
So please, although not a dramatic problem, it's annoying...

[strichzwei]

yep, I buy a new tube of three bond for every project!
Seems wasteful but I do not want to take any chances......
Scott

[jwonder]

Mocha,

I call Permatex every year or two to find out what the current formulations are and what I should use a year or so Ago I called and got the following info and it has worked perfectly.

Use Ultra grey for very mating surface on the emgine I thin layers and dress gasket with it in thin layers. Because of the temps our engines run this keeps them from leaking I all conditions.

Optimum grey for under the cylinders, but he said the ultra grey would work for this too but the optimum grey is higher tenp for safety.

Tubes last 1 year after opening.

Product separates I unopened tube after about 5 years.

This is the advice I was given from permatex and it is good advice.

Hope this helps.

[Micha]

Thank you all.
BTW - when do you use Shellac?
We do not know this stuff very well here in IL.