Pipe Joint Compound
Important: Three types of sealer are commonly used in engines. These are 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 three
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 sealer is used where two 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: 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"
procedure in this service manual. |
| • | 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. Do not
allow the sealer to enter any blind threaded holes, as it may prevent the bolt from
clamping properly or cause component damage when the bolt is tightened. |
| • | 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
| • | Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) sealant hardens when exposed to air.
This type sealer is used where two rigid parts (such as the lower crankcase and the
engine block) are assembled together. |
| • | Do not use Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) sealant in areas where extreme
temperatures are expected. These areas include: exhaust manifold, head gasket, or
other surfaces where a gasket eliminator is specified. |
| • | Apply RTV to a clean surface. Use a bead size as specified in the procedure.
Run the bead to the inside of any bolt holes. Do not allow the sealer to enter any
blind threaded holes, as it may prevent the bolt from clamping properly or cause damage
when the bolt is tightened. |
| • | Assemble components while RTV is still wet (within 3 minutes). Do not
wait for RTV to skin over. |
| • | Tighten bolts to specifications. Do not overtighten. |
Anaerobic Sealer
| • | Anaerobic gasket eliminator hardens in the absence of air. This type sealer
is used where two 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. |
| • | Apply a continuous bead of gasket eliminator to one flange. Surfaces to
be resealed must be clean and dry. |
| • | Spread the sealer evenly with your finger to get a uniform coating on
the sealing surface. |
| • | Do not allow the sealer to enter any blind threaded holes, as it may prevent
the bolt from clamping properly or cause damage when tightened. |
Important: Anaerobic sealed joints that are partially torqued and allowed to cure more
than five minutes may result in incorrect shimming and sealing of the joint.
Do not allow the sealer to enter any blind threaded holes, as it may prevent
the bolt from seating properly or cause damage when the bolt is tightened.
| • | Tighten bolts to specifications. Do not overtighten. |
| • | After properly tightening the fasteners, remove the excess sealer from
the outside of the joint. |
Separating Parts
Important: Many internal engine components will develop specific wear patterns on their
friction surfaces.
When disassembling the engine, internal components MUST be separated, marked,
or organized in a way to ensure reinstallation to their original location and position.
Separate, mark, or organize the following components:
| • | Piston and the piston pin |
| • | Piston to the specific cylinder bore |
| • | Piston rings to the piston |
| • | Connecting rod to the crankshaft journal |
| • | Connecting rod to the bearing cap |
| | A paint stick or etching/engraving type tool are recommended. Stamping the connecting
rod or cap near the bearing bore may affect component geometry. |
| • | Crankshaft main and connecting rod bearings |
| • | Camshaft and valve lifters |
| • | Valve lifters, guides, pushrods, pivot supports and rocker arms |
| • | Valve to the valve guide |
| • | Valve spring and shim to the cylinder head location |
| • | Engine block main bearing cap location and direction |
| • | Oil pump drive and driven gears |
