GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Pipe Joint Compound

Important: 3 types of sealer are commonly used in engines. These are room temperature vulcanizing (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 3 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 of sealer is used where 2 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 the exhaust manifold, head gasket, or other surfaces where gasket eliminator is specified.
    • Follow all safety recommendations and directions that are on the container.
        To remove the sealant or the gasket material, refer to Replacing Engine Gaskets.

Caution: Refer to Sealant Caution in the Preface section.

    • 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.
    • 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

    • RTV sealant hardens when exposed to air. This type of sealer is used where 2 non-rigid parts, such as the intake manifold and the engine block, are assembled together.
    • Do not use RTV sealant in areas where extreme temperatures are expected. These areas include the exhaust manifold, head gasket, or other surfaces where a gasket eliminator is specified.
    • Follow all safety recommendations and directions that are on the container.
        To remove the sealant or the gasket material, refer to Replacing Engine Gaskets.

Caution: Refer to Sealant Caution in the Preface section.

    • Apply RTV sealant to a clean surface. Use a bead size as specified in the procedure. Run the bead to the inside of any bolt holes.
    • Assemble components while the RTV sealant is still wet, within 3 minutes. Do not wait for the RTV sealant to skin over.
    • Tighten bolts to specifications. Do not overtighten.

Anaerobic Sealer

    • Anaerobic gasket eliminator hardens in the absence of air. This type of sealer is used where 2 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.
        To remove the sealant or the gasket material, refer to Replacing Engine Gaskets.
    • Apply a continuous bead of gasket eliminator to 1 flange. Surfaces to be sealed must be clean and dry.

Caution: Refer to Sealant Caution in the Preface section.

    • Spread the sealer evenly with your finger to get a uniform coating on the sealing surface.

       Important: Anaerobic sealed joints that are partially torqued and allowed to cure more than 5 minutes may result in incorrect shimming and sealing of the joint.

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