Seeing favorable comments about the Permatex Right Stuff I went to their web site to get additional information.
At the site I found an additional Permatex RTV product 'Ultra Synthetic' said to be formulated specifically for synthetic oils.
I plan to run a light grade synthetic in this new motor so I contacted my local auto parts shop, They did not have it in stock but could have it in the next day.

I picked up the un opened package last evening. it was not opened, but appeared to have been around for a while. There was a code printed on the tube, I went on line and found that
is a date code - lot number. The date code on the tube I had just purchased 7KZ2338 is translated to; the first number is the year of manufacture indicator, so a 7 is likely 2017, the K is alphabetical order for the month of manufacture, so the K is November. Meaning the product I just purchased was manufactured in November of 2017.

I was concerned over the shelf life of the RTV, as with most not fully activated compounds, they may react even in a sealed package. I went back to the Permatex web site and posted a question to their tech line last evening. Their response is the Permatex RTV has a two year shelf life. So the product that I purchased in May of 2020 was already expired by 6 months.

I will be returning the Ultra Synthetic for a refund today.

When purchasing and working with RTV, pay attention to the manufacturing date codes.
Loctite products would also have a shelf life.

_________________
Doo Ron Ron and the Duke of Earl are friends of mine.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX8Nj8ABEI8

I often buy caulk at Homey Depot that is hardened in the tube, or well on its way to being hardened. This happens especially with higher-end product that people don't buy as often.

The worst is concrete epoxy...it's like $24 a tube and when you get it home you find out it's useless.

Interesting. I have never seen RTV cure substantially in the tube, at least with tubes ~ 5yrs old or less. It needs water to cure, so I would think only if the metal tube is compromised could it cure prematurely. I'll be on the lookout.

I have a can of Right Stuff that is a couple of years old and I used half of it. We'll see if it's OK next time I do an oilpan install.

Lou

_________________
Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

the issue that happens with expired RTV is that is does not cure,,,,

which is one way to test the product,, expose a small batch to air,, if it sets, in the time depending upon the product, it should be OK,
but still I would believe what the manufacturer says,, do some internet searches for 'RTV leaks,,, RTV not curing,,, " and so forth,, you will not need to look long that there
are issues. Expired product is a cause for the product to not kick over.

_________________
Doo Ron Ron and the Duke of Earl are friends of mine.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX8Nj8ABEI8

Oh weird. I will have to think about the polymer science of that... Thanks again for sharing.

Lou

_________________
Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988