Putting cases back together

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Jun 12, 2025 | 11:02 AM

#11

tinymike66

Thread Starter

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Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 373

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From: Ontario

got my hands on permatex 518.
says to use surface prep activator. i aleeady prepped and cleaned surfaces. Should i still use
The permatex surface prep activator??

Jun 12, 2025 | 11:21 AM

#12

98hotrodfatboy

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 21,024

Likes: 7,549

From: Poolville

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinymike66

got my hands on permatex 518.
says to use surface prep activator. i aleeady prepped and cleaned surfaces. Should i still use
The permatex surface prep activator??

You should follow the manufacturers specification.. Your all the way into it.. You don't want to do it again, do you?

Jun 12, 2025 | 12:10 PM

#13

BigMike

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Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 3,550

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From: NE Florida

HD Service Manual says 3M 800

Jun 17, 2025 | 08:32 AM

#14

Schex

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Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 5,776

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From: SE Louisiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinymike66

got my hands on permatex 518.
says to use surface prep activator. i aleeady prepped and cleaned surfaces. Should i still use
The permatex surface prep activator??

It's not absolutely necessary, the 518 will cure with the absence of air on it's own, the prep/primer cleans the surface and speeds curing time by 50%.
Just make the sure surfaces are clean, dry, and no residue, brake clean works ok.

Jun 20, 2025 | 03:11 PM

#15

BigMike

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Joined: Jan 2007

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From: NE Florida

There is Loctite 518 and Permatex 51817 and 51813. Which one do you guys use?

Jun 20, 2025 | 10:28 PM

#16

tdrglide

Road Captain

Joined: Mar 2020

Posts: 650

Likes: 351

From: Sierra foothills

I don't think there is any difference between the Permatex and the Loctite versions of 518. I've used both. Clean surfaces with elec contact cleaner. In the past I have also used yamabond and honda bond. They all worked. I just prefer the 518. Easiest to use. Last numbers of the Permatex are container size. The 51813 is a lifetime supply.

Jun 24, 2025 | 10:38 AM

#17

NorthWestern

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Joined: Apr 2016

Posts: 11,458

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From: Inland NW

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigMike

There is Loctite 518 and Permatex 51817 and 51813. Which one do you guys use?

BigMike you should be just fine with any of these 3. My guys have successfully use both brands, and we can't tell the difference. One of the engine manufacturers that we are a distributor for actually changed the spec in their repair manual from Permatex to Loctite 518 when they became one of the national distributors for Loctite products, but acknowledged that either product was acceptable for use.

FWIW I like the Loctite stuff. Maybe because I still have a couple 300ml caulking gun size tubes that will last my son and I several lifetimes