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:
| • | 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. |
| • | 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. |
