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Updated
Pros
  • Excellent oil resistance
  • Durable and flexible
  • Resistant to automotive fluids
  • Durable seal
  • Fuel resistant
  • Easy to apply
Cons
  • Long curing time
  • Not flexible
Bottom Line
Permatex Ultra Black is a premium gasket maker ideal for high-flex applications and heavy-duty automotive tasks. Its oil resistance makes it perfect for valve covers, oil pans, and timing covers. It ensures a reliable seal even under extreme conditions.
Permatex Indian Head is a shellac-based compound that provides a hard, durable seal. It is ideal for sealing threaded connections and machined surfaces.
Type
RTV Silicone
Shellac
Temperature Range
-65°F to 500°F
-65°F to 350°F
Volume
3.35 oz
2 oz
Height
8 inches
1.25 Inches
Length
1.38 inches
1.25 Inches
Weight
0.000625 pounds
0.1 pounds
Width
3.81 inches
3.69 Inches
Part Number
82180
20539
Model
82180
20539

When it comes to choosing the right gasket sealant for your automotive or industrial application, two popular options from Permatex are often considered: Ultra Black and Indian Head. Both products are designed to provide a reliable seal, but they have distinct differences in terms of their formulation, performance, and usage.

Permatex Ultra Black

Ultra Black is a high-performance gasket sealant that is part of Permatex's line of advanced sealing solutions. This product is formulated with a unique blend of polymers and resins that provide exceptional flexibility, durability, and resistance to extreme temperatures, vibrations, and chemicals. Ultra Black is designed to work well in a wide range of applications, including engines, transmissions, and other high-temperature systems.

One of the key benefits of Ultra Black is its ability to withstand extreme temperatures, ranging from -50°C to 250°C (-58°F to 482°F). This makes it an ideal choice for applications where high heat resistance is critical. Additionally, Ultra Black has excellent chemical resistance, making it suitable for use in systems that are exposed to fuels, oils, and other corrosive substances.

Permatex Indian Head

Indian Head, on the other hand, is a classic gasket sealant that has been a staple in the industry for many years. This product is known for its versatility and ease of use, making it a popular choice among mechanics and technicians. Indian Head is formulated with a proprietary blend of ingredients that provide a strong, flexible bond between gaskets and mating surfaces.

While Indian Head may not have the same level of high-temperature resistance as Ultra Black, it still offers excellent performance in a wide range of applications, including engines, gearboxes, and other mechanical systems. One of the key advantages of Indian Head is its ease of application, as it can be applied quickly and easily to gaskets and surfaces.

Comparison of Gasket Sealants

When comparing Permatex Ultra Black and Indian Head, it's clear that both products have their own strengths and weaknesses. Ultra Black offers superior high-temperature resistance and chemical resistance, making it a better choice for applications where these factors are critical. On the other hand, Indian Head is a more versatile product that can be used in a wider range of applications, and its ease of application makes it a popular choice among technicians.

In terms of gasket sealants, both Ultra Black and Indian Head offer excellent performance and reliability. However, the choice between these two products ultimately depends on the specific requirements of your application. If you need a high-performance gasket sealant that can withstand extreme temperatures and chemicals, Ultra Black may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for a versatile and easy-to-use gasket sealant that can handle a wide range of applications, Indian Head is definitely worth considering.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Permatex Ultra Black and Indian Head are two high-quality gasket sealants that offer excellent performance and reliability. While both products have their own strengths and weaknesses, they share a common goal of providing a strong, flexible bond between gaskets and mating surfaces. By understanding the differences between these two products, you can make an informed decision about which gasket sealant is best suited for your specific application. Whether you choose Ultra Black or Indian Head, you can trust that you're getting a high-quality product from Permatex, a leading manufacturer of gasket sealants and other automotive and industrial sealing solutions.