How long does it take RTV to setup?

[TerryMason]

I changed the fluid in my rear diff last night, and used black RTV to put everything back together again. I read the tube to find out how long until I could put fluid back in, and all it said was "fully dries in 24 hours".

I'm sure that a shop, changing the diff fluid wouldn't wait 24 hours before sending a customer on their way, so how long should one wait before filling it back up with fluid and going on a beer run?

 

[wwch99tj]

I usually wait about an hour and fill it, never had a leak.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using Jeepz

 

[TerryMason]

I ended up waiting about 5 hours, just to make sure. Even then the stuff that had oozed out the side was still a bit wet.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

I fill them immediately, never had a problem.

 

[Mrsig]

I let it sit on the cover for about 10 min than bolt it on. I wait another 10 min than put the fluid it.

 

[Utah_jeepster]

I wait 16min to several hours to refill it, the first ten or so cleaning the rtv off my hands, then the rest trying to re-locate the pump for my gear oil bottles that I found earlier. Actually you dont have wait at all, rtv cures just fine submerged in gear oil.

 

[mackdogman]

Locktite 515 is the best thing I have found for trans & rear ends. I work on diffs 4 times bigger & never had a leak on them or on any of my vehicles. (knock on wood) You can clean the surface from any oil you are putting it on then apply it. I have waited over 3 hours before installing the component & still worked great. It doesn't start to harden or set up until the air or oxygen is taken away. As in torque to spec. RTV is ok but it will rip a gasket if tightened to much or clog oil holes. I swear once you use this stuff that's all you will want. Just my opinion tho.