Chevrolet Equinox Service Manual: Use of Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) and Anaerobic Sealant

Three types of sealer are commonly used in engines. These are RTV sealer, anaerobicgasket eliminator sealer, and pipe joint compound. The correct sealer and amount mustbe used in the proper location to prevent oil leaks. DO NOT interchange the 3-typesof sealers. Use only the specific sealer or the equivalent as recommended in the serviceprocedure.

Room Temperature Vulcanizing-(RTV) SealerRTV sealant hardens when exposed to air. This type sealer is used where 2-rigid parts,such as the lower crankcase and the engine block, are assembled together.Do not use RTV sealant in areas where extreme temperatures are expected. These areasinclude: exhaust manifold, head gasket, or other surfaces where a gasket eliminatoris specified.Follow all safety recommendations and directions that are on the container.

To remove the sealant or the gasket material, refer toReplacing Engine Gaskets.

Apply RTV to a clean surface. Use a bead size as specified in the procedure. Run thebead to the inside of any bolt holes. Do not allow the sealer to enter any blind threadedholes, as it may prevent the bolt from clamping properly or cause damage when thebolt is tightened.Assemble components while RTV is still wet, within 3-minutes. Do not wait for RTVto skin over.Tighten bolts to specifications. Do not overtighten.Anaerobic SealerAnaerobic gasket eliminator hardens in the absence of air. This type sealer is usedwhere two rigid parts (such as castings) are assembled together. When two rigid partsare disassembled and no sealer or gasket is readily noticeable, the parts were probablyassembled using a gasket eliminator.Follow all safety recommendations and directions that are on the container.

To remove the sealant or the gasket material, refer toReplacing Engine Gaskets.

Apply a continuous bead of gasket eliminator to one flange. Surfaces to be resealedmust be clean and dry.Spread the sealer evenly with your finger to get a uniform coating on the sealingsurface.Do not allow the sealer to enter any blind threaded holes, as it may prevent the boltfrom clamping properly or cause damage when tightened.

Note:Anaerobic sealed joints that are partially torqued and allowed to cure more than fiveminutes 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 outsideof the joint.Pipe Joint CompoundPipe joint compound is a pliable sealer that does not completely harden.Do not use pipe joint compound in areas where extreme temperatures are expected. Theseareas include: exhaust manifold, head gasket, or other surfaces where gasket eliminatoris specified.Follow all safety recommendations and directions that are on the container.

To remove the sealant or the gasket material, refer toReplacing Engine Gaskets.

Apply the pipe joint compound to a clean surface. Use a bead size or quantity as specifiedin the procedure. Run the bead to the inside of any bolt holes. Do not allow the sealerto enter any blind threaded holes, as it may prevent the bolt from clamping properlyor cause component damage when the bolt is tightened.Apply a continuous bead of pipe joint compound to one sealing surface. Sealing surfacesto be resealed must be clean and dry.Tighten the bolts to specifications. Do not overtighten.