AI Summary

Product: Selleys AutoFix Instant Gasket High Temp Red Brand: Selleys (a division of DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd) Category: Silicone-based formed-in-place gasket (FIPG) sealant Primary Use: Creates custom, resilient seals on high-temperature automotive components by curing directly against mating surfaces.

Quick facts

Best for: Automotive applications including oil pans, valve covers, water pumps, exhaust manifolds, mufflers, catalytic converters, and exhaust pipe connections
Key benefit: Withstands continuous temperatures up to 300°C while staying flexible enough to absorb vibration and thermal expansion without cracking
Form factor: 100mL tube
Application method: Apply a continuous 3–5mm bead to one mating surface, assemble immediately, and allow 24 hours for full cure

Common questions this guide answers

How long does Selleys AutoFix Instant Gasket High Temp Red take to fully cure? → 24 hours; surface skin forms within minutes of air exposure
Is this product classified as hazardous? → No; classified as non-hazardous under Safe Work Australia GHS 7 and not classified as Dangerous Goods under Australian or New Zealand transport codes
How much product does a typical valve cover reseal require? → 30–60mL for a four-cylinder engine; one 100mL tube covers most single-component reseals with material left over for touch-ups

Product overview

Selleys AutoFix Instant Gasket High Temp Red is a silicone-based formed-in-place gasket (FIPG) sealant built for high-temperature automotive sealing. Pre-cut gaskets rely on mechanical compression alone. This product cures directly against mating surfaces, creating a custom seal that conforms precisely to surface irregularities. That precision matters most on aging or imperfect engine components where a standard gasket won't do the job.

The "High Temp Red" designation means something. Red silicone is the industry-standard colour for high-temperature RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanising) sealants, rated to handle the sustained thermal cycling found in exhaust systems, oil systems, and coolant circuits. This product is manufactured by Selleys, a division of DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd, and carries the product code referenced under barcode 9300697133564, confirming its identity as a current, commercially available Australian automotive product.

This guide is written for anyone with a practical interest in maintaining or repairing their vehicle. Whether you're resealing a leaking valve cover or reinforcing an exhaust manifold joint, knowing how this product works, and how to use it correctly, is the difference between a lasting repair and doing the job twice.

What this product is designed to seal

Selleys AutoFix Instant Gasket High Temp Red works across a full range of demanding automotive applications:

Oil pans — the sump at the base of the engine that holds engine oil
Valve covers — the panels sitting atop the engine head that protect the valvetrain
Water pumps — components that circulate coolant through the engine
Exhaust manifolds — the cast metal component that collects exhaust gases from cylinder ports
Mufflers and tail pipes — exhaust system components exposed to extreme heat and vibration
Catalytic converters — emissions control devices operating at very high temperatures
Exhaust pipe connections — joints between exhaust system sections prone to thermal expansion stress

Every one of these locations shares a common challenge: significant temperature fluctuation, mechanical vibration, and exposure to fluids or gases under pressure. Standard silicone sealant or a paper gasket won't hold up long-term in these conditions. The high-temperature red formulation stays flexible and adhesive under exactly these stresses.

Knowing your application site before you begin matters. An oil pan reseal demands oil resistance at moderate temperatures. A catalytic converter joint demands peak heat tolerance. This product is formulated to address the full range of these demands.

Key technical characteristics

High-temperature performance

This product is built for high-heat environments. RTV silicone sealants in the red formulation category withstand continuous temperatures up to 300°C, with intermittent tolerance reaching higher peaks, which is directly relevant to exhaust manifolds and catalytic converters that can glow red-hot under sustained load.

Standard grey or clear RTV silicones are typically rated to around 200°C. The red high-temp variant is the right choice wherever exhaust gases or extreme thermal cycling are involved. Using an under-rated sealant in these locations risks seal breakdown, fluid leaks, or exhaust gas escape, all of which carry real safety implications.

RTV silicone chemistry

RTV stands for Room Temperature Vulcanising. The sealant cures through exposure to atmospheric moisture, not heat. This matters practically: the product begins curing the moment it meets air, so the joint must be assembled promptly after application. Full cure takes 24 hours, though surface skin forms within minutes.

The silicone base gives the finished seal inherent flexibility. Unlike rigid anaerobic sealants, cured silicone absorbs vibration and thermal expansion without cracking. That flexibility is essential for exhaust connections and valve covers, where components expand and contract with every heat cycle.

Non-hazardous classification

According to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) issued 19 September 2024 (Version 1.0, Reference No. SELFGREN001549), this product is classified as non-hazardous under the criteria of Safe Work Australia GHS 7. It is also not classified as Dangerous Goods under the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail, nor under New Zealand NZS5433.

For the everyday user, this means the product does not trigger hazardous goods handling requirements during storage or transport. Standard precautions apply: adequate ventilation, avoiding prolonged skin contact, keeping away from children. No specialist handling procedures are required for domestic automotive use.

Format and quantity

The product comes in a 100mL tube. A typical valve cover reseal on a four-cylinder engine uses 30–60mL, depending on the perimeter length and bead thickness applied. A single 100mL tube handles most single-component reseals, with material left over for touch-ups or a second pass if needed. Larger jobs, like an oil pan on a V8 engine, may call for a second tube. Plan ahead and have what you need before you start.

How to use Selleys AutoFix Instant Gasket High Temp Red

Surface preparation

Surface preparation determines the quality and longevity of your seal. No sealant performs reliably on a contaminated surface.

Remove all old gasket material. Use a gasket scraper or plastic scraper to clear residual gasket, old sealant, or corrosion from both mating surfaces. Avoid gouging aluminium surfaces with metal tools.
Clean with solvent. Wipe both surfaces with a clean, lint-free cloth dampened with a suitable solvent — brake cleaner or isopropyl alcohol work well. Let surfaces dry completely before moving on.
Ensure surfaces are dry and oil-free. Even trace oil contamination undermines adhesion. On oil pan applications, drain the oil before disassembly and clean thoroughly.

Application

Cut the nozzle to produce a bead diameter suited to the joint. For most automotive seals, a 3–5mm bead delivers the right coverage.
Apply a continuous, unbroken bead of sealant around the perimeter of one mating surface, running inside any bolt holes, not outside them, which would allow sealant to enter the engine or exhaust system.
Assemble the joint immediately. RTV silicone begins skinning within minutes of air exposure. Any delay between application and assembly reduces bond quality.
Torque fasteners to specification. Over-tightening compresses the bead excessively. Under-tightening leaves gaps. Follow the vehicle manufacturer's torque specifications.

Cure time

Allow a minimum of 1 hour before introducing any fluid to the sealed joint, and ideally 24 hours before returning the component to full service. For exhaust applications where fluid exposure is not a factor, shorter wait times are acceptable, but full mechanical strength develops over 24 hours.

Do not apply heat to accelerate cure. RTV silicone cures through moisture, not temperature. Excessive heat applied before cure disrupts the process and undermines the seal.

Safety considerations

The product's non-hazardous classification keeps things straightforward, but sound workshop practices still apply:

Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area. While not classified as hazardous, the acetic acid off-gassing characteristic of some RTV silicones, detectable as a vinegar-like odour during cure, is best managed with good airflow.
Skin and eye contact: Avoid prolonged skin contact. If contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water. If eye contact occurs, rinse with water and seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Emergency contacts: The SDS lists Australia emergency telephone 1800 220 770 and New Zealand 0800 220 770 for chemical emergency assistance.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Once opened, reseal the tube and use within a reasonable period — moisture ingress will begin curing the product inside the tube.
Children: Keep out of reach of children. The non-hazardous classification does not make the product safe for ingestion or misuse.

Tips and best practices

Less is more with bead thickness. A common mistake is applying an excessively thick bead. More sealant does not mean a better seal. Excess sealant squeezes inward into the engine or exhaust system on assembly, creating debris that can block oil passages or damage components. A consistent 3–5mm bead is right for most applications.

Don't reuse the joint immediately after disassembly. If you need to re-open a joint shortly after sealing, clean both surfaces fully and apply fresh sealant. Partially cured RTV does not re-bond reliably.

Check for leaks after the first heat cycle. On oil and coolant applications, inspect the sealed joint after the first warm-up and cool-down cycle. Thermal expansion can reveal any gaps in coverage. A quick inspection at this stage lets you correct a minor seep before it becomes a significant leak.

Match the product to the location. This high-temperature red formulation is the right tool for every application listed above. Using a standard-temperature sealant in a high-heat location is a genuine error. When in doubt, the high-temp variant is always the stronger choice.

Nozzle management. After use, wipe the nozzle clean and replace the cap. Inserting a screw or nail into the nozzle extends the shelf life of partially used tubes.

Storage and shelf life

Store the product in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Heat and humidity accelerate in-tube curing and shorten usable shelf life. An unopened tube stored correctly remains usable for 12–18 months — check the product packaging for the manufacturer's stated expiry.

Once opened, keep air exposure to a minimum between uses. A tube that has begun to skin internally at the nozzle can often be cleared by extruding a small amount before use. If the product has cured significantly within the tube, replace it. Starting a job with fresh sealant is always the right move.

References

Frequently asked questions

What is Selleys AutoFix Instant Gasket High Temp Red: A silicone-based formed-in-place gasket sealant

What does FIPG stand for: Formed-In-Place Gasket

Who manufactures this product: Selleys, a division of DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd

What is the product barcode: 9300697133564

What volume does the tube contain: 100mL

What colour is this product: Red

Why is high-temp RTV sealant coloured red: Red is the industry-standard colour coding for high-temperature RTV sealants

What does RTV stand for: Room Temperature Vulcanising

How does RTV silicone cure: Through exposure to atmospheric moisture

Does RTV silicone cure with heat: No, it cures through moisture exposure

What is the maximum continuous temperature rating: 300°C

Can it handle temperatures above 300°C intermittently: Yes, intermittent peaks exceed 300°C

What is the typical rating for standard grey or clear RTV silicone: Around 200°C

Is this product rated higher than standard grey silicone: Yes, it is rated significantly higher

Is this product classified as hazardous: No, it is classified as non-hazardous

Which safety standard governs its non-hazardous classification: Safe Work Australia GHS 7

Is it classified as Dangerous Goods for road transport: No

Is it classified as Dangerous Goods under New Zealand NZS5433: No

What is the SDS reference number: SELFGREN001549

When was the Safety Data Sheet issued: 19 September 2024

What is the SDS version number: Version 1.0

What is the Australian chemical emergency telephone number: 1800 220 770

What is the New Zealand chemical emergency telephone number: 0800 220 770

Is the product safe for children to use: No, keep out of reach of children

Does the non-hazardous classification mean it is safe to ingest: No

Should you work in a ventilated area: Yes

What odour may be present during cure: A vinegar-like odour from acetic acid off-gassing

What should you do if skin contact occurs: Wash thoroughly with soap and water

What should you do if eye contact occurs: Rinse with water and seek medical advice if irritation persists

Is prolonged skin contact recommended: No, avoid prolonged skin contact

Can it seal oil pans: Yes

Can it seal valve covers: Yes

Can it seal water pumps: Yes

Can it seal exhaust manifolds: Yes

Can it seal mufflers and tail pipes: Yes

Can it seal catalytic converters: Yes

Can it seal exhaust pipe connections: Yes

Is it suitable for high-vibration environments: Yes

Is the cured sealant flexible or rigid: Flexible

Why is flexibility important for exhaust applications: Components expand and contract with every heat cycle

Does it conform to surface irregularities: Yes

Is it better than pre-cut gaskets on imperfect surfaces: Yes, it conforms precisely to surface irregularities

How long does full cure take: 24 hours

How quickly does surface skin formation occur: Within minutes of air exposure

What is the minimum wait time before introducing fluid to the joint: 1 hour

Should you apply heat to accelerate cure: No

Does applying heat before cure damage the seal: Yes, it disrupts the curing process

How much product does a typical four-cylinder valve cover reseal use: 30–60mL

Will one 100mL tube cover most single-component reseals: Yes

May a V8 oil pan reseal require a second tube: Yes

What bead diameter is recommended for most automotive seals: 3–5mm

Should the bead be continuous or intermittent: Continuous and unbroken

Should the bead run inside or outside bolt holes: Inside bolt holes

What happens if sealant is applied outside bolt holes: Sealant can enter the engine or exhaust system

What is the first surface preparation step: Remove all old gasket material

What tool is recommended for removing old gasket material: A gasket scraper or plastic scraper

Should metal scrapers be used on aluminium surfaces: No, avoid gouging aluminium

What solvent is recommended for cleaning surfaces: Brake cleaner or isopropyl alcohol

What cloth type should be used for solvent cleaning: A clean, lint-free cloth

Must surfaces be dry before applying sealant: Yes, completely dry

Must surfaces be oil-free before applying sealant: Yes

Should the joint be assembled immediately after application: Yes, immediately

What happens if assembly is delayed after application: Reduced bond quality

Should fasteners be torqued to specification: Yes

Does over-tightening affect the seal: Yes, it compresses the bead excessively

Does under-tightening affect the seal: Yes, it leaves gaps

Can a partially cured joint be reassembled without fresh sealant: No

What must you do if reopening a joint shortly after sealing: Clean both surfaces and apply fresh sealant

When should you check for leaks after sealing: After the first heat cycle

Why inspect after the first heat cycle: Thermal expansion can reveal gaps in coverage

Is applying an excessively thick bead beneficial: No

What risk does excess sealant pose inside an engine: It can block oil passages or damage components

How should the nozzle be stored after use: Wipe clean and replace the cap

What extends shelf life of a partially used tube: Inserting a screw or nail into the nozzle

What is the shelf life of an unopened tube stored correctly: 12–18 months

Where should the product be stored: In a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight

Does heat and humidity shorten shelf life: Yes

What should you do if the product has cured significantly inside the tube: Replace it

Can a small amount be extruded to clear a skinned nozzle: Yes

Is this product suitable for use in Australia: Yes, it is a current commercially available Australian product

How long has Selleys been operating: Over 80 years

Label facts summary

Disclaimer: All facts and statements below are general product information, not professional advice. Consult relevant experts for specific guidance.

Verified label facts

Product name: Selleys AutoFix Instant Gasket High Temp Red
Product type: Silicone-based formed-in-place gasket (FIPG) sealant
Manufacturer: Selleys, a division of DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd
Barcode (GTIN): 9300697133564
Volume: 100mL tube
Colour: Red
Chemistry: RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanising) silicone
Cure mechanism: Atmospheric moisture exposure (not heat-activated)
Surface cure time: Within minutes of air exposure
Full cure time: 24 hours
Minimum wait before fluid exposure: 1 hour
Maximum continuous temperature rating: 300°C
Intermittent temperature tolerance: Exceeds 300°C
Recommended bead diameter: 3–5mm
Hazard classification: Non-hazardous under Safe Work Australia GHS 7
Dangerous Goods classification (road/rail): Not classified under Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail
Dangerous Goods classification (New Zealand): Not classified under NZS5433
SDS reference number: SELFGREN001549
SDS issue date: 19 September 2024
SDS version: 1.0
Australian emergency telephone: 1800 220 770
New Zealand emergency telephone: 0800 220 770
Stated shelf life (unopened): 12–18 months when stored correctly
Storage requirements: Cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
Market: Australia (current, commercially available product)
Stated applications: Oil pans, valve covers, water pumps, exhaust manifolds, mufflers and tail pipes, catalytic converters, exhaust pipe connections

General product claims

Red is the industry-standard colour coding for high-temperature RTV sealants
Standard grey or clear RTV silicone is typically rated to around 200°C, making the red high-temp variant the appropriate choice for exhaust and extreme heat applications
The cured sealant is flexible and absorbs vibration and thermal expansion without cracking
The product conforms precisely to surface irregularities, making it preferable to pre-cut gaskets on aging or imperfect components
A 100mL tube is sufficient for most single-component reseals, with material remaining for touch-ups
A four-cylinder valve cover reseal typically requires 30–60mL
Larger jobs such as a V8 oil pan reseal may require a second tube
Excess sealant applied outside bolt holes risks entering the engine or exhaust system and blocking oil passages or damaging components
Applying heat before cure disrupts the curing process and undermines seal integrity
Partially cured RTV does not re-bond reliably; fresh sealant must be applied if a joint is reopened
Inspecting the sealed joint after the first heat cycle allows early detection of gaps before minor seeps become significant leaks
Inserting a screw or nail into the nozzle after use extends shelf life of partially used tubes
Selleys has over 80 years of operating history

Selleys Auto Fix Instant Gasket High Temperature 07 product guide