Loctite 518 / Permatex 51813

djkeev · Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 5:18 am Post subject: Loctite 518 / Permatex 51813

Loctite 518 is frequently brought up in these forums as the miracle sealant savior solving multiple Vanagon woes.

In many areas, such as mine, finding Loctite 518 is difficult at best. Yes I can order it online or from Graingers but sometimes it's nice to get a needed product today.

On the other hand around here Permatex is everywhere!
Permatex 51813 can be had from almost every parts store around.
(51817, 51813, 51845 are the same product but different sized containers)
(Loctite has similar numbers for container sizes ... 51817, 51831, 51845)

Many online forum contributors make broad claims that they are the same product without any factual backing.........they simply boldly state that Loctite owns Permatex.

Well, that used to be true but is no longer.
Loctite acquired Permatex in 1972 but sold it in 1999.
http://www.permatex.com/about-us/company-overview/history

The MSDS sheets are very similar but not exactly the same.....
http://www.permatex.com/component/documents/?view=...SA-English

http://hybris.cms.henkel.com/henkel/msdspdf?country=US&language=EN&matnr=135481

Is Permatex 51813 a functional substitute for Loctite 518

For example.........
When Mercedes owned Dodge, the Mercedes Van was basically duplicated as the Dodge Sprinter van. After the company was sold by Mercedes the same Van, basically a Mercedes product, was still produced for years, even with FiAT's management.
Is it a similar situation with 518? The company was sold with the proprietary formulas?

I'm not against ordering Loctite 518, but if Permatex is the same product..... Why bother doing so?

Dave
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djkeev · Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 5:44 am Post subject:

I may have just answered my own question........

Looking around I went to Ben's Place...
http://www.benplace.com/vanagon_engine2.htm

To quote Ben's list of sealants he recommends.......

-Heads gasket (rubber one) = Dirco OR The right Stuff
-Pushrods tube and other low pressure parts = Loctite / Permatex 518
-High pressure parts = Curil K2 and Permatex Aviation

If it is Good enough for a respected technician like Ben....... It's Good enough for a nobody like me!

Dave
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DAV!D · Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 6:59 am Post subject:

TY for this post, I've looked everywhere for loctite 518 but everyone has the permatex instead. I actually haven't found the loctite brand anywhere for even thread lock. I was just going to use the permatex and call it close enough., Laughing

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insyncro · Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 7:34 am Post subject:

They are NOT the same.
518 is superior.

Just as with Swepco fluids, plan ahead and order it before you need it.

djkeev · Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 7:43 am Post subject:

insyncro · Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 8:15 am Post subject:

Experience Exclamation

djkeev · Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 8:22 am Post subject:

insyncro · Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 8:34 am Post subject:

If you want to do a taste test go for it.
I have been using 518 and recommending it since I joined here.
It is not hard to order 518.

My experiences have shown Loctite and Wurth products to be superior to Permatex and the generics.
Yes Loctite is a part of Henkels, but there are levels and grades of the products.
Certain manufacturers require certain products and have them made especially for them and the purpose.
518 was designed and manufactured for Porsche.
That is how and why I found it and use it.

djkeev · Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 8:48 am Post subject:

Zeitgeist 13 · Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 8:50 am Post subject:

Just try it and report back with your results
_________________
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'89 Bluestar ALH
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NEAT, no ICE.

djkeev · Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 8:56 am Post subject:

insyncro · Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 9:08 am Post subject:

I have used many of the available sealants on the market.
I have also been paid to test each.
When I recommend a product, it has been tested and is of the highest quality of all that I tested.

Most of what I use at my shop for materials such as sealants are not available at Walmart, Lowes or FLAPS.
Specialty stores, race shops, motorcycle shops and numerous online vendors carry the good stuff.

Amazon, ebay, JEGS, Summit Racing, Paragon.....all will be able to deliver the higher quality products.
Summit and JEGS have shown to send the freshest products as they move the most of them.

dobryan · Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 9:09 am Post subject:

Dave,

You do a great job of documenting what you do and it is a real benefit. Keep up the good work. I like a lot of what you do. Very Happy

But sometimes when you want information you can come across as somewhat demanding. It's the problem with the internet not allowing a quick back and forth verbally. I believe that your intentions are good. But sometimes I accept that someone likes one product vs another and that they are not obligated to give me specific reasons. I am OK with that.

Not trying to argue with you or criticize, just trying to help you see what I see from the outside looking in... Very Happy

(Full disclosure, I have ordered Loctitie 518 from eBay)

Peace,

Dave O
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Zeitgeist 13 · Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 9:12 am Post subject:

I'm willing to bet that for many tasks, it's more than adequate. The Loctite product is probably up to even more tasks and harsher environments, hence the premium price and exclusivity. Hell, I'll try it and report back if no one else will
_________________
Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH
'01 Weekender --> full camper
NEAT, no ICE.

djkeev · Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 9:26 am Post subject:

DAV!D · Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 10:03 am Post subject:

I was going to try the permatex but as I've had to order replacement float valves, I decided to just order the 518 being I'll have to wait to put my gas tank back in. Pulling the tank out was a PITA and if there is a chance 518 is even slightly better I'd say a few bucks extra is worth it.
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86 Syncro Build - Ecotec Motor Swap - Pop Top Conversion - Camper Build & Syncro Conversion

Merian · Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 12:54 pm Post subject:

Loctite says on their product sheets that Loctite 518 is for two hard surfaces. I thought I saw it touted on here for sealing rubber fuel hose connections, etc.

Can someone explain that?

dobryan · Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 2:51 pm Post subject:

vanagonjr · Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 3:28 pm Post subject:

Terry Kay · Banned Joined: June 22, 2003 Posts: 13331

GM pt. # 1237 8521 Engine Assembly adhesive is as good as, if not better than the Loctite 518, and is available at any GM dealer parts counter--anywhere, anytime.
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