Use of RTV Service Information

USE OF RTV AND ANAEROBIC SEALER
RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing) sealants are used in various applications on engines produced by General Motors. Several factors need to be considered when servicing this material such as:
^ Several different RTV compounds are available which differ slightly in performance characteristics. General Motors has specific recommendations for all applications of RTV sealants. Equivalent products may be used if the recommended material is not available.

Shelf Life - The useful shelf life of RTV products is approximately one year. Product used beyond this period will not perform as designed in some cases.

RTV Instead Of A Gasket - RTV has limitations as far as its performance under specific operating conditions. For this reason the use of RTV in an application where a gasket was originally used should not be attempted.

Color - RTV can be any color. High temperature resistant compounds are more likely to be red in color due to the addition of iron oxide. Other colors, are not indicative of any brand or physical characteristics.

SEPARATING PARTS
In addition to its sealing capabilities, RTV sealants can form an adhesive bond between parts that can make them difficult to remove or separate. RTV is weakest in shear strength and parts therefore should be bumped sideways if possible rather than using prying tools to remove them. This technique will prevent part damage when the bonding strength of the RTV is stronger than the part itself. Any bumping should be done at bends or reinforced areas to prevent part distortion.

INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS
The sealing surfaces of mating parts should cleaned with the strongest solvent possible. RTV and other sealants will not adhere to grease or oil. All materials, composite, cast iron, and aluminum are susceptible to leaks if the surfaces have grease and oil contaminants. Surfaces must be kept as clean as possible.