GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Sealant Types

Important: The correct sealant and amount of sealant must be used in the proper location to prevent oil leaks, coolant leaks, or the loosening of the fasteners. DO NOT interchange the sealants. Use only the sealant (or equivalent) as specified in the service procedure.

The following 2 major types of sealant are commonly used in engines:

    • Aerobic sealant Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV)
    • Anaerobic sealant, which include the following:
       - Gasket eliminator
       - Pipe
       - Threadlock

Aerobic Type Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) Sealant

Aerobic type Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) sealant cures when exposed to air. This type of sealant is used where 2 components (such as the intake manifold and the engine block) are assembled together.

Use the following information when using RTV sealant:

    • Do not use RTV sealant in areas where extreme temperatures are expected. These areas include:
       - The exhaust manifold
       - The head gasket
       - Any other surfaces where a different type of sealant is specified in the service procedure
    • Always follow all the safety recommendations and the directions that are on the RTV sealant container.
    • Use a plastic or wood scraper in order to remove all the RTV sealant from the components.

       Important: Do not allow the RTV sealant to enter any blind threaded holes, as it may prevent the fasteners from clamping properly or cause damage when the fastener is tightened.

    • The surfaces to be sealed must be clean and dry.
    • Use a RTV sealant bead size as specified in the service procedure.
    • Apply the RTV sealant bead to the inside of any bolt holes areas.
    • Assemble the components while the RTV sealant is still wet to the touch (within 3 minutes). Do not wait for the RTV sealant to skin over.
    • Tighten the fasteners in sequence (if specified) and to the proper torque specifications. DO NOT overtighten the fasteners.

Anaerobic Type Gasket Eliminator Sealant

Anaerobic type gasket eliminator sealant cures in the absence of air. This type of sealant is used where 2 rigid parts (such as castings) are assembled together. When 2 rigid parts are disassembled and no sealant or gasket is readily noticeable, then the 2 parts were probably assembled using an anaerobic type gasket eliminator sealant.

Use the following information when using gasket eliminator sealant:

    • Always follow all the safety recommendations and directions that are on the gasket eliminator sealant container.
    • Apply a continuous bead of gasket eliminator sealant to one flange.
        The surfaces to be sealed must be clean and dry.

Important: 

   • Do not allow the gasket eliminator sealant to enter any blind threaded holes, as the gasket eliminator sealant may prevent the fasteners from clamping properly, seating properly, or cause damage when the fastener tightened.
   • Gasket eliminator sealed joint fasteners that are partially torqued and the gasket eliminator sealant allowed to cure more than five minutes, may result in incorrect shimming and sealing of the joint.
      - Apply the gasket eliminator sealant evenly to get a uniform thickness of the gasket eliminator sealant on the sealing surface.
      - Tighten the fasteners in sequence (if specified) and to the proper torque specifications. DO NOT overtighten the fasteners.
      - After properly tightening the fasteners, remove the excess gasket eliminator sealant from the outside of the joint.

Anaerobic Type Threadlock Sealant

Anaerobic type threadlock sealant cures in the absence of air. This type of sealant is used for threadlocking and sealing of bolts, fittings, nuts, and studs. This type of sealant cures only when confined between 2 close fitting metal surfaces.

Use the following information when using threadlock sealant:

    • Always follow all safety recommendations and directions that are on the threadlock sealant container.
    • The threaded surfaces to be sealed must be clean and dry.
    • Apply the threadlock sealant as specified on the threadlock sealant container.

       Important: Fasteners that are partially torqued and then the threadlock sealant allowed to cure more than five minutes, may result in incorrect clamp load of assembled components.

    • Tighten the fasteners in sequence (if specified) and to the proper torque specifications. DO NOT overtighten the fasteners.

Anaerobic Type Pipe Sealant

Anaerobic type pipe sealant cures in the absence of air and remains pliable when cured. This type of sealant is used where 2 parts are assembled together and require a leak proof joint.

Use the following information when using pipe sealant:

    • Do not use pipe sealant in areas where extreme temperatures are expected. These areas include:
       - The exhaust manifold
       - The head gasket
       - Surfaces where a different sealant is specified
    • Always follow all the safety recommendations and the directions that are on the pipe sealant container.
    • The surfaces to be sealed must be clean and dry.
    • Use a pipe sealant bead of the size or quantity as specified in the service procedure.

       Important: Do not allow the pipe sealant to enter any of the blind threaded holes, as the pipe sealant may prevent the fastener from clamping properly, or cause component damage when the fastener is tightened.

    • Apply the pipe sealant bead to the inside of any bolt hole areas.
    • Apply a continuous bead of pipe sealant to 1 sealing surface.
    • Tighten the fasteners in sequence (if specified) and to the proper torque specifications. DO NOT overtighten the fasteners.