Using rtv silicone on intercooler couplers... good or bad idea?

[lookaught]

I've got endless effing leaks from my IC piping... I think because the pipes are dented because the previous owners overtightened the t clamps. I was thinking about using some silicon and spreading it over the pipes before I put them together to seal the leaks (hopefully) but have concerns about being able to take them apart.

What do you think? I've already used a pipe expander to get the tubing as round as possible, but it's still somewhat dented... I'm also ordering some new silicon couplers from hosetechniques and already got new clamps from cxracing (they sell very nice clamps), so I could just replace the couplers w/o silicon and see what happens, or I could replace and use rtv for extra leak proofing.

Input? Suggestions? It's irritating as hell to have boost leaks. Thanks!

[n7plus1]

itll look like shit imo...

[lookaught]

I'm not concerned with aesthetics... if you saw the rest of my car in person you'd know why. She's no beauty queen: dents, acid rain damage, scratches, rust... It does make it easy to not worry about the car though.

[n7plus1]

i mean, in all honesty itll work, but when anything is moved after it dries. i dont think rtv is really that sticky after it dries.

[AudiA4Turbo22]

I did it and it looks awesome. Just put it around the beads and slide the couplers over it.

I have not had a leak to date.

[drjonez]

Try rotating the t-bolts so the deformity in the pipes is in on the "smooth" part of the clamp....

[nihil]

Squeeze the end of the RTV tube flat so you get a nice wide and flat bead around the piping, wait for it to dry thoroughly, then slide the couplers over it and clamp. Letting it dry beforehand will let you remove the piping without having to re-seal it every time you do so, and clamping silicon couplings over it will provide a nice airtight seal. Less chance of dragging the RTV across the piping and making an ugly mess of it as well.