Use of RTV and Anaerobic Sealer

NOTE: Two types of sealer are commonly used in engines. These are Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) sealer and anaerobic gasket eliminator sealer. Follow the service procedure instructions carefully. The correct sealer must be used in the proper place and order to prevent oil leaks. Do not interchange the two types of sealers. Use the sealer recommended in the service procedure.

Applying RTV Sealer
1. Do not use RTV sealant in areas where extreme temperatures are expected. These areas include exhaust manifold, head gasket, or other surfaces where gasket eliminator is specified.
2. Use a rubber mallet to separate components sealed with RTV. Bump the part sideways to shear the RTV sealer. Bumping should be done at bends or reinforced areas to prevent distortion of components. RTV is weaker in shear (lateral) strength than in tensile (vertical) strength.
3. Remove all gasket material from the part using a plastic or wood scraper. Use Lactated brand Gasket Remover P/N 4MA or equivalent. Follow all safety recommendations and directions that are on the container. Do not use any other method or technique to remove gasket material from a part. Do not use abrasive pads, sand paper or power tools to clean gasket surfaces. These methods of cleaning can damage the part. Abrasive pads also produce a fine grit that the oil filter cannot remove from the oil. This grit is abrasive and has been known to cause internal engine damage.
4. Apply RTV to a clean surface. Use a bead size as specified in the procedure. Run the bead to the inside of any bolt holes. Do not allow the sealer to enter any blind threaded holes, as it may prevent the bolt from seating properly or cause damage when the bolt is tightened.
5. Assemble components while RTV is still wet (within 3 minutes). Do not wait for RTV to skin over.
6. Tighten bolts to specifications. Do not overtighten.

Applying Anaerobic Sealer
1. Anaerobic gasket eliminator hardens in the absence of air. This type sealer is used where two rigid parts (such as castings) are assembled together. When two rigid parts are disassembled and no sealer or gasket is readily noticeable, the parts were probably assembled using a gasket eliminator.
2. Remove all gasket material from the part using a plastic or wood scraper. Use Loctite brand Gasket Remover P/N 4MA or equivalent. Follow all safety recommendations and directions that are on the container. Do not use any other method or technique to remove gasket material from a part. Do not use abrasive pads, sand paper or power tools to clean gasket surfaces. These methods of cleaning can damage the part. Abrasive pads also produce a fine grit that the oil filter cannot remove from the oil. This grit is abrasive and has been known to cause internal engine damage.
3. Apply a continuous bead of gasket eliminator to one flange. Surfaces to be resealed must be clean and dry.

NOTE:
^ Anaerobic sealed joints that are partially torqued and allowed to cure more than five minutes may result in incorrect shimming and sealing of the joint.
^ Do not allow the sealer to enter any blind threaded holes, as it may prevent the bolt from seating properly or cause damage when the bolt is tightened.

4. Spread the sealer evenly with your finger to get a uniform coating on the sealing surface.
5. Tighten bolts to specifications. Do not overtighten.
6. Remove the excess sealer from the outside of the joint.