Use of Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) and Anaerobic Sealer

Use of Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) and Anaerobic Sealer

Pipe Joint Compound

Important: Three types of sealer are commonly used in engines. These are RTV sealer, anaerobic gasket eliminator sealer, and pipe joint compound. The correct sealer and amount must be used in the proper location to prevent oil leaks. DO NOT interchange the three types of sealers. Use only the specific sealer or the equivalent as recommended in the service procedure.

* Pipe joint compound is a pliable sealer that does not completely harden. This type sealer is used where two non-rigid parts (such as the oil pan and the engine block) are assembled together.
* Do not use pipe joint compound in areas where extreme temperatures are expected. These areas include: exhaust manifold, head gasket, or other surfaces where gasket eliminator is specified.
* Follow all safety recommendations and directions that are on the container.
Remove the sealant or the gasket material.
* Apply the pipe joint compound to a clean surface. Use a bead size or quantity 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 clamping properly or cause component damage when the bolt is tightened.
* Apply a continuous bead of pipe joint compound to one sealing surface. Sealing surfaces to be resealed must be clean and dry.
* Tighten the bolts to specifications. Do not overtighten.

RTV Sealer

* Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) sealant hardens when exposed to air. This type sealer is used where two rigid parts (such as the lower crankcase and the engine block) are assembled together.
* Do not use Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) sealant in areas where extreme temperatures are expected. These areas include: exhaust manifold, head gasket, or other surfaces where a gasket eliminator is specified.
* Follow all safety recommendations and directions that are on the container.
Remove the sealant or the gasket material.
* 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 clamping properly or cause damage when the bolt is tightened.
* Assemble components while RTV is still wet (within 3 minutes). Do not wait for RTV to skin over.
* Tighten bolts to specifications. Do not overtighten.

Anaerobic Sealer

* 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.
* Follow all safety recommendations and directions that are on the container.
Remove the sealant or the gasket material.
* Apply a continuous bead of gasket eliminator to one flange. Surfaces to be resealed must be clean and dry.
* Spread the sealer evenly with your finger to get a uniform coating on the sealing surface.
* Do not allow the sealer to enter any blind threaded holes, as it may prevent the bolt from clamping properly or cause damage when tightened.

Important: 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.

* Tighten bolts to specifications. Do not overtighten.
* After properly tightening the fasteners, remove the excess sealer from the outside of the joint.