Use Of Rtv Sealer And Anaerobic Gasket Eliminator Two types of sealer are commonly used in the engines covered by this manual. These are RTV sealer and anaerobic “gasket eliminator” sealer. It is important that these sealers be applied properly and in their proper place to prevent oil leaks. THE TWO TYPES OF SEALERS ARE NOT INTER- CHANGEABLE. Use the sealer recommended in the procedure. RTV (room temperature vulcanization) sealer is used where a non-rigid part is assembled to a rigid part. Common examples are oil pans and rocker covers. Anaerobic gasket eliminator hardens in the absence of air. This sealer is used where two rigid parts (such as castings) are assembled together.
When two rigid parts are disassembled and sealer or gasket is readily noticeable, the parts were probably assembled using gasket eliminator. Using RTV Sealer 1 . Do not use RTV when extreme temperatures are expected, such as exhaust manifold, head gasket or where gasket eliminator is specified. 2 . When separating components sealed with RTV, use a rubber mallet and “bump” the part sideways to shear the RTV sealer. “Bumping” should be done at bends or reinforced areas to prevent distortion of parts. RTV is weaker in shear (lateral) strength than in tensile (vertical) strength. NOTICE : Attempting to pry or pull components apart may result in damage to the part. 3 .
Surfaces to be resealed must be clean and dry. Remove all traces of oil and RTV with a chlorinated solvent (GM P/N 1050454 or equivalent). Do not use petroleum cleaners such as mineral spirits. They leave a film onto which RTV will not stick. 4 . Apply RTV to one of the clean surfaces. Use a bead size as specified in the procedure. Run the bead to the inside of any bolt holes. Do not allow the sealer in any blind threaded holes, as it may prevent the bolt from seating properly or cause damage when the bolt is tightened. 5 . Assemble while RTV is still wet (within 3 minutes). Do not wait for RTV to skin over. 6 . Torque bolts to specifications. Do not overtorque.
Using Anaerobic Gasket Eliminator 1 . Clean surfaces to be resealed with a chlorinated solvent (GM P/N 1050454 or equivalent) to remove all oil, grease, and old material. 2 . Apply a continuous bead of gasket eliminator to one flange. 3 . Spread the bead evenly with your finger to get a uniform coating on the complete flange. 4 . Assemble parts in the normal manner and torque immediately to specifications. IMPORTANT: Anaerobic sealed joints that are partially torqued and allowed to cure more than five minutes may result in incorrect shimming of the joint. G643 (E) Service Manual Chapter 3. Engine Mechanical System 46