Hylomar...the 'secret weapon"

Hylomar M package

Maybe you have never heard of it,  or you have used it for years...

it one of the most effective sealants available today...(but is also one of the least understood). 

Hylomar can be a game changer for motorcycle or car guys, and it's been proven for decades 

  • Non-hardening and non-setting
  • Resistant to fuels, oils, coolants and gases
  • Wide operating temperature -50F to 482F (- 50°C to +250°C)
  • Easy to use
  • Unlimited assembly time
  • Easy to disassemble components
  • For use on metal and plastic close fitting parts
  • Use as a non-curing thread sealant
  • Resists vibration
  • Easy to apply to vertical and even upside down
  • Can be used with or without a gasket

Triumph engine gearbox with Hylomar

Although they make a lot of products, there are a few that are especially important to the engine builder or mechanic.

Originally designed together with Rolls Royce for sealing Merlin aircraft engines, this unique sealant is used today by leading aviation, automotive, industrial companies, and race teams around the world. 

When you learn how to use it correctly, Hylomar will be a secret weapon against oil leaks, and a small tube in your toolbox can be a life saver. 

The three main Hylomar products in use at the shop are Hylomar M, Hylomar AF, and Hylotyte Red 100. The following describes where and how to use each one.

HYLOMAR M 

Hylomar M tube

The most common Hylomar people know is "Universal Blue". I can't sell that in my shop because the solvent in Universal Blue is Dichloromethane (Methylene chloride), which is prohibited here in California for consumer use.

Previously Hylomar made a "Racing Formula" which used acetone as a solvent. Acetone made the Hylomar tackier than the universal blue, and was preferred by race teams for this reason. This same formula was renamed Hylomar M.

Hylomar on Triumph case studs

WARNING: TECHNICAL NERD ALERT

What is it? Hylomar M is a polyester urethane suspended in a solvent, when the solvent evaporates it changes from a liquid to a solid. The solvent is only there to allow application. Once applied, it is non setting (meaning it will never harden) and can be used indefinitely, and repositioned without reapplication!

USES for Hylomar M

Hylomar M can be used on case studs, drain plug threads, petcock threads etc. Use on gearbox covers instead of a gasket, and parts can be taken on and off without reapplication (as long as it is clean of oil)...when indexing your gearbox this is helpful-

The gap filling properties are up to .010" (.25mm) so it is great on engine cases, primary covers, etc...can also be used to hold tricky gaskets in pace when assembling.

Did I mention that is is FUEL RESISTANT? Yes, you can use it on petcock threads and fuel line fittings too.

Hylomar M product photoHYLOMAR M FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What makes Hylomar different from other sealants? Hylomar is highly resistant to oils and fuels while remaining as a non-setting material. The non setting characteristic allows for an unlimited assembly time and easy disassembly for service, repair or end of life recycling.

What is the difference between Hylomar M and Universal Blue? The two products contain different solvents; acetone is the carrier solvent for Hylomar M and methylene chloride is the carrier solvent for Hylomar Universal Blue. Both products have very similar physical properties once the solvent has evaporated.

How long do you need to leave it for the solvent to evaporate before you can assemble? It is recommended that the product is applied in a thin film to both joint surfaces and then left for between 10 to 20 minutes to allow the solvent to evaporate. This time is dependent on how thick the applied film is and the ambient temperature. The product should be tacky rather than wet prior to assembly.

Can Hylomar M be used without a gasket? Yes. Hylomar M can be used without a gasket. Care must be taken to make sure if a gasket is being replaced that it did not
have a shimming effect on the application.

Hylomar in display case

HOW TO APPLY HYLOMAR M

There are a few ways to apply Hylomar M. One way is to use the applicator tip to run an even bead of Hylomar around the clean surface you are sealing. Then leave it for about ten minutes to let the solvent evaporate. Once the solvent has evaporated, put the parts together. Clean off any excess with acetone. 

Another way is to run a thin bead on one surface of the clean part you are sealing. Then immediately put the parts together, then take them back apart. This will essentially "print" the Hylomar onto both surfaces. Any missing areas will be visible. Then allow the solvent to evaporate and a few minutes later reassemble.

There is no "curing time" as it works right when it is assembled. This is why race teams always have some around at the track. If you are using it on studs or drain plugs, just use a little and let the acetone flash off before installing. A little goes a long way and on flange surfaces use just enough to cover the surfaces. 

HYLOMAR M AEROSOL

Hylomar on Triumph head gasket

Anyone who wants to bullet proof their head gasket should know about Hylomar aerosol. Whether it is solid copper, a composite, or even a MLS (multi-layer steel), having a thin coat of Hylomar is a great way to not only hold it in place, but adds extra sealing properties to the gasket. Far better than copper spray for sealing.

Some manufacturers warn about the use of Hylomar on MLS gaskets but the incidental contact of acetone will not damage Viton MLS, and lots of race teams swear by the use of it on their head gaskets. Another great use of the spray is on diesel shims, where a thin even coat is easy to get with the aerosol.

 

HYLOMAR AEROSOL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Hylomar Aerosol? Hylomar Aerosol is the sprayable version of Hylomar M and is specifically used for coating traditional gaskets with ease

What is the difference between Hylomar M and Hylomar M Aerosol?
Both products are the same. Hylomar Aerosol is used for ease of application on gaskets or large surface areas.

Can I use Hylomar Aerosol on cylinder head gaskets?
Hylomar Aerosol is excellent for use as a dressing on most types of cylinder head gaskets. It should not be used as a replacement for cylinder head gaskets.

Can I use Hylomar Aerosol on rubber gaskets/o-rings? Hylomar Aerosol is suitable for use on rubber o-rings and gaskets. care should be taken to make sure the solvent has fully evaporated prior to assembly.

What makes Hylomar different from other sealants?
Hylomar is highly resistant to oils and fuels while remaining as a non-setting material. This allows for unlimited assembly time and easy disassembly.

HOW TO APPLY HYLOMAR M AEROSOL

It's easy to apply, but keep in mind that the overspray should be kept from getting on anything sensitive, as it is extremely tacky. If hanging a gasket from a wire make sure you are mindful of the overspray. Leave a few minutes before assembling to let the acetone evaporate, or between coats. Clean any surfaces with acetone before application (except Viton MLS gaskets).

There is no "curing time" as it works right when it is assembled. A little goes a long way and on flange surfaces use just enough to cover the surfaces. Use the same torque figures as you would use normally. 

Hylomar on Kibblewhite valve guides

ADVANCED FORMULATION

Hylomar AF is a solvent free version of Hylomar. Because there is no solvent, it stays the same when applied and never hardens. The viscosity is similar to a grease. Excellent as a gasket dressing to make them reusable and enhance sealing, can also be used on threads, O rings, head bolts, close fitting flanges, etc.

AF does not have the gap filling capability of Hylomar M, but can resist higher temperatures (500F/260C). Also good to use on cylinder wet sleeves, valve guides, and because it is fuel resistant, petcocks and gas taps too. AF is resistant to

  • Automotive fluids
  • Mineral oils
  • Synthetic lubricants
  • vibration and shock
  • Fuels
  • Thermal expansion

Hylomar AF on Triumph headHYLOMAR AF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Hylomar AF?
Hylomar AF is a solvent free non-hardening gasket sealant.

What makes Hylomar AF different from other sealants? Hylomar AF is highly resistant to oils and fuels while remaining as a non-hardening, high viscosity paste. It is also solvent free and can be used in high production environments.

What is Non-Hardening? Non-hardening means that no reaction will take place once the product has been applied. The product remains as a high viscosity paste.

Can Hylomar AF be used without a gasket? Yes. Hylomar AF can be used without a gasket. Care must be taken to make sure if a gasket is being replaced that it did not have a shimming effect on the application.

Can I use Hylomar AF on rubber gaskets/o-rings?
Hylomar AF is excellent for use on rubber o-rings and gaskets

Hylomar AF on 650 Triumph head

HOW TO APPLY HYLOMAR AF

Use anywhere you want additional sealing, there is no cure time or waiting. Do not use an excessive amount as it is not necessary. Remove any excess with acetone.

Hylotyte Red 100 tube

HYLOTYTE RED 100

Red 100 is a synthetic semi-hardening sealant that is resistant to all oils, has larger gap filling properties than Hylomar M, and is also resistant to water- including salt water. This tacky and instant sealing formula forms an elastic like seal when heated, excellent for water pumps, thermostat housings, engine core plugs, and any flanges with rough surfaces or gaps.

This formula is not fuel resistant, but can be used to seal cases, sludge tube plugs, gearboxes, etc. Temperature range -58F to 356F (-50°C to 180°C)

Hylotyte Red 100 on Triumph engine case

HYLOTYTE RED 100 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Hylotyte Red 100? Hylotyte Red 100 is a semi-hardening gasket sealant

Is Hylotyte Red 100 water resistant? Yes Hylotyte Red 100 has excellent water resistant characteristics even at temperature.

What is Semi-Hardening? Semi-hardening means the product is non setting initially but after a period of time or exposure to heat it will vulcanise to form a rubber like elastomeric sealant increasing its resistance to fluias and environmental conditions.

Can Hylotyte Red 100 be used in contact with fuel? No. Hylotyte Red 100 is not resistant to fuel and should not be used. Hylomar M can be used for this type of application.

Can Hylotyte Red 100 be used on rubber gaskets/o-rings? Hylotyte Red is suitable for use on rubber o-rings and gaskets.Care should be taken to make sure the solvent has fully evaporated prior to assembly.

Does Hylotyte Red 100 contain silicone? No. Hylotyte Red 100 does not contain silicone

Hylotyte red on Triumph crankshaft

HOW TO APPLY HYLOTYTE RED 100

Just use the applicator tip to run an even bead of Hylomar around the surface you are sealing. Then leave it for about ten minutes to let the solvent evaporate. Once the solvent has evaporated, put the parts together. Clean off any excess with acetone. The seal will form instantly, but will become stronger when heated.

Hylomar logo

Hylomar sealants are manufactured in England. Franz and Grubb is an authorized distributor and can support any questions or issues with the products represented. Unfortunately we can not ship Hylomar outside the USA due to regulations.

To purchase any of our Hylomar sealants please click the above logo or HERE


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