Hondabond And Oil Pans: The Perfect Match?

HondaBond is a sealant used for oil pans in Honda vehicles. It is a silicone-based product that creates a tight seal between the oil pan and the engine block, preventing oil leaks. While some people suggest that it is not necessary to use a sealant if a gasket is in place, others recommend using HondaBond or similar products for a better seal. It is important to clean the surfaces and follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application and curing time to ensure an effective seal.

HondaBond vs Permatex

HondaBond and Permatex are both gasket sealants, with some sources stating that HondaBond is a rebranded version of Permatex Ultra Grey RTV Gasket Maker. However, some users claim that the two products have different consistencies, with HondaBond being thicker, less gooey, and easier to work with and clean up. HondaBond is also said to have better seals and stick-to-it-iveness. On the other hand, Permatex Ultra Grey is cheaper and works just as well for sealing and can be found at any auto parts store.

Some users prefer to use HondaBond for important applications like oil pans, while using Permatex for less critical applications. Ultimately, both products will create a seal, but HondaBond may be preferred for its ease of use and removal, especially if you plan on opening up the sealed area again in the future.

In terms of temperature range, Permatex Ultra Copper has a slightly higher range than HondaBond. However, some users have reported that the Ultra Grey version is too gooey, and they prefer the consistency of HondaBond HT.

When it comes to gasket makers, it seems that HondaBond takes the lead over Permatex due to its superior sealing properties and ease of use. However, for cost-conscious individuals, Permatex Ultra Grey can be a suitable alternative, providing similar sealing capabilities at a more affordable price.

Honda oil pan sealant options

Other Honda-approved sealants include Honda Ultra Flange II, which is recommended for first-time oil pan installers as it dries a little slower, giving more time to line up the pan. Yamaha's Yamabond 4 Silicone-Based Liquid Gasket is another option that has been used successfully by Honda owners.

In addition to these Honda-specific options, there are also generic RTV sealants available, such as Permatex Ultra Grey, which is a gasket maker that can be used in a similar way to Hondabond. Some people also use other generic sealants like Permatex or RTV around the whole oil pan, but this is not always successful and can sometimes cause leaks.

When using any of these sealants, it is important to clean the pan and block thoroughly and avoid any deep scratches. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying and curing times and to torque the bolts to the specified tightness in the correct sequence and not overtighten them, as this can cause warping and future leaks.

Application techniques

• Clean the oil pan and the block thoroughly, removing any old gasket material, oil, or dirt. Ensure there are no deep scratches on the surfaces.
• Apply a bead of Hondabond sealant to the oil pan. Some people recommend applying it to both the pan and the block, while others suggest applying it only to the block. The amount of sealant used varies—some people use a thin coat, while others apply a generous amount.
• Work quickly, as the sealant starts to dry within a few minutes.
• Carefully press the oil pan onto the block, ensuring that the surfaces are properly aligned.
• Thread the bolts into the oil pan and tighten them, following the manufacturer's torque specifications and sequence. Some people recommend tightening the bolts in a specific pattern, such as from the centre outwards or vice versa.
• Allow the sealant to cure for several hours or even overnight before adding oil and starting the car.

It is important to note that some people have had success using Hondabond on their oil pans, while others have experienced leaks. There are alternative sealants available, such as Permatex Ultra Gray, Permatex Ultra Black, and Loctite 5900, which some people prefer. Additionally, some oil pans use a gasket instead of sealant. It is always a good idea to refer to the vehicle's repair manual or seek advice from a professional mechanic for the best results.

HondaBond HT vs Ultra Flange II

HondaBond HT and Ultra Flange II are both sealants used for installing oil pans. However, they have different properties and recommended applications.

HondaBond HT is an adhesive sealer suitable for bonding metal-to-metal, metal-to-plastic, or plastic-to-plastic surfaces. It is recommended for high-temperature applications and has a thicker consistency compared to Ultra Flange II. HondaBond HT dries quickly, usually within 4 to 5 minutes, making it suitable for experienced individuals who need to work fast. It is also easier to clean off compared to some other sealants.

On the other hand, Ultra Flange II is a thick, grey material specifically recommended by Honda for sealing gasketless oil pans. It can be applied in a controlled manner and is suitable for gasketless applications, except oil pans. It has a slower drying time compared to HondaBond HT, giving users more time to align the oil pan properly.

Both products have received positive reviews from users, with some reporting no leaks after using either sealant for their oil pans. However, some users have experienced issues with the application of Ultra Flange II, such as air pockets and difficulty controlling the amount dispensed.

In summary, while both HondaBond HT and Ultra Flange II can be used for installing oil pans, Ultra Flange II is specifically designed for gasketless oil pan applications and provides a slower drying time for easier alignment. HondaBond HT, on the other hand, is a versatile adhesive sealer suitable for high-temperature applications and offers a faster drying time. The choice between the two depends on the specific needs and experience of the user.

Gaskets vs sealants

Gaskets and sealants are both used to prevent leaks, but they have distinct applications. Gaskets are physical pieces that seal connections between two components or flanges with flat surfaces. They are typically used as static seals and can be made from a wide range of materials, including rubber, elastomers, treated fibre, cork, graphite, and PTFE. Seals, on the other hand, are used in more dynamic environments between rotating shafts, pumps, and engines. They are typically flat and round, with a metal outer ring and an inner ring made of rubber. Seals are often used in bearings to prevent leaks and reduce noise during operation.

When it comes to oil pans, both gaskets and sealants like Hondabond can be used. Some people prefer to use Hondabond or similar sealants on the entire oil pan, while others suggest using it only on the corners to hold the gasket in place. It is important to clean the pan and block thoroughly and avoid deep scratches before applying the sealant. One should also let the sealant set for at least an hour before tightening the bolts to factory specs to avoid leaks.

While gaskets can be effective on their own, some people choose to use a combination of gaskets and sealants for added security. This involves applying a thin layer of sealant to the gasket or using the sealant to hold the gasket in place before installing the oil pan.

In conclusion, both gaskets and sealants have their advantages and can be used effectively to seal oil pans. The choice between the two depends on personal preference, the specific application, and the environment in which the seal will be used.

Frequently asked questions