SeanC Posted February 17, 2008 Share Posted February 17, 2008 Hey all- I'm replacing my valve cover gaskets today including the bolt 'grommets'. One question - should I use RTV on the new gaskets? if so how much? thanks! -Sean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted February 17, 2008 Share Posted February 17, 2008 No Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloyale Posted February 17, 2008 Share Posted February 17, 2008 definately not Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVOthis Posted February 17, 2008 Share Posted February 17, 2008 just did mine on my 2.2....nope no RTV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njdrsubaru Posted February 17, 2008 Share Posted February 17, 2008 nope unless u want them to leak right away! replace the gaskets and grommets, thats all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferret Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Not only for leaks, NO RTV on Newer Engines. RTV fumes will ruin the front Oxygen sensor. On any oil related part, don't forget, air enters the crankcase and mixes with bypass gasses only to be drawn into the intake thru the PCV system. So YES, RTV used to seal oil gasket surfaces can ruin your Oxygen sensor. This is true of any manufacturer. I first saw this as a TSB back in 1997 from Chrysler. They were replacing O2 sensors at an alarming rate. So they needed to get to their own dealer/service depts to warn them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine73 Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Right on, no RTV for the valve cover gaskets. How about the RTV's that claim to be 'sensor safe'.... can those still cause o2 sensor damage? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferret Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Right on, no RTV for the valve cover gaskets. How about the RTV's that claim to be 'sensor safe'.... can those still cause o2 sensor damage? I'm not certain of any newer RTV claims. For my own use, and the neighbors cars I also service, I use a Non-adhesive sealer made by Permatex. It seals well, I have never had a comeback or complaint, AND I can easily take whatever I used it on apart again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVOthis Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 useful tip...i didnt know RTV could take out the 02 sensor...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aircraft engineer Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 what permatex number? Just curious - thanks. I got a tube of the permatex anaerobic sealant to use on the oil pump - now if I can just undo the pulley without the special tool... I think it gets solid, though Most of the RTVs out there right now either say "sensor safe" or not. You don't want one of the "not" because the acetic acid made during the curing process will take out the sensor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferret Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 I'm not certain of any newer RTV claims. For my own use, and the neighbors cars I also service, I use a Non-adhesive sealer made by Permatex. It seals well, I have never had a comeback or complaint, AND I can easily take whatever I used it on apart again. Sorry, not Permatex. ( Old age comin thru ) . I just brought the tube from the garage. It's a Red plastic tube of " Loctite 515 Gasket Eliminator " It Flexes with the Flanges as it says. When I need more, I usually but 2 or 3 tubes at a time. Hate to be in the middle of something and run out. I even use it to seal oil drain bolts in case I don't have a replacement crush washer ( more and more companies have gone this route ). Never had a leak when I use it. And if I have to remove the part again, it just comes right off. It's like a sticky thick cake icing that doesn't harden. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aircraft engineer Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 I bought some permatex anaerobic sealant. Was thinking of using a bead on the new cover gaskets as "insurance". Pricey stuff, tho - $12 for a 2 ounce tube. I'll go look for the loctite, too thanx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 That's why they sell "sensor safe" RTV. But there's very little use for RTV on modern engines such as the EJ's. Their gasketing systems don't need it. Older engines such as the EA's however can benefit from RTV in a lot of ways. Cork sucks. Sensor Safe RTV has never harmed any of my O2's. This is a very old subject, and one that has been addressed by the RTV manufacturers. It's only a problem if you use the wrong type. GD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbshop Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 almost any silicone style sealer should not be used on an engine. you run a chance of getting an oil passage plugged with that stuff. if you do need to use something there are alternatives. also use very little. it goes a long way. most rubber gaskets like the v/c gasket are made to not use sealer and as mentioned you could make things worse. dry off the sealing surface before install and that rubber will almost bond with the metal. george Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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