Jaydee116,
I disagree right back...
If you compress the sealant all the way BEFORE it sets up... you are NOT getting any true compression... but simply spreading it out and forcing it out of the spaces that are truely flush. Any areas that have a gap will have sealant, but will NOT have a compressed gasket seal.
I don't know about you... but when I use sealant it's usually because a gasket does not exist (o-ring, or any other type). So in essence I am using the sealant AS a gasket.
When using a sealant in place of a gasket... you should treat it as such. Put the parts together... yes... let the sealant create a gasket by letting it "skin" 10-15 minutes at least... THEN tighen everything down.
RTV when used in automotive applications says you can run water through the system right away... but I have had leaks when parts are torqued down before the sealant has set up enough to create a gasket. So my method is based entirely upon my personal experience.
