Heard a guy at the parts counter say 'I just slap it on' about RTV sealant

I was picking up a head gasket set yesterday and the guy in front of me was buying a tube of silicone. He told the counter guy he never cleans the old stuff off, just puts the new bead right over it. I almost said something. That's a guaranteed leak in 6 months, maybe less. It takes maybe 10 extra minutes with a razor blade and brake cleaner to do it right. How do people get away with that kind of work? What's the worst shortcut you've seen someone try to take on a simple job?

2 comments

2 Comments

adams.spencer8d ago

Ever wonder why shortcuts like that or @lucashart's drywall screws always fail so fast?

lucashart8d ago

That RTV shortcut is bad, but the worst I ever saw was a guy using drywall screws to mount a transmission crossmember. He said grade 8 bolts were a waste of money. It sheared on the test drive, dropped the tail of the trans right on the pavement. Some people treat a car like a piece of furniture.