RTV and an o-ring?

"BaconSandwich is tasty." (baconsandwich)
04/01/2019 at 23:01 • Filed to: None

I’m pretty sure the cam seal on the Civic is leaking. Thankfully, it’s a fairly small plastic piece with an o-ring that snaps in to the side, without having to take the entire intake apart. I just got the parts today, and I’m planning on doing it in the next few days. After watching a few videos, some guys seem to rely on just the o-ring to seal, while others also put a small amount of RTV along with the o-ring. Reading through the comments on the YouTube videos , some guys are “hey, never use RTV with an o-ring - let the o-ring do it’s job!” while people seem to have no issue with it. Is it overkill to use both?

DISCUSSION (12)

DutchieDC2R > BaconSandwich is tasty.
04/01/2019 at 23:29

I actually did this exact same job on my Integra, I dont know what RTV is (I’m guessing its the white sealant/bondo?), but, be sure to put some of it on the cam seal before putting the cam seal on.

The cam seals on the Teg do not require extra O rings, but a bit of Honda bondo (or whatever the white stuff is called) is advised. Put some on the cam seal and on the metal insert where the cam seal goes.

Thatredcar > BaconSandwich is tasty.
04/01/2019 at 23:33

Permatex states not to use ATV with gaskets because ATV is a GASKET MAKER. Unless manufacturer states otherwise, you don’t use ATV with gaskets.

“This might be the most common gasketing error of all. Many mechanics will use an RTV gasket maker to hold a conventional or cut gasket in place during assembly. Some mechanics will even use the RTV gasket maker as a dressing, coating both sides of the gasket. Gasket makers are the wrong product for these applications – their formulations are too thick for use as a dressing. If you’re installing a conventional gasket, use a gasket sealant – they’re available in sprays, liquids, and tubes, with specialized formulas for a variety of applications.”

https://www.permatex.com/ten-common-gasketing-mistakes/

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > DutchieDC2R
04/01/2019 at 23:35

RTV = Room Temperature Vulcanizing rubber. It’s the black/gray goop, also tastes nice.

For Sweden > BaconSandwich is tasty.
04/01/2019 at 23:38

I did not use RTV, but I did something similar with gasket maker and new o-rings leading into the heater core of my S80. Just new o-rings created leaks.

The real s olution is new heater pipes, but that involves removing the dash. As any good hands factors specialist will tell you, never tear a machine apart any more than absolutely necessary. You may not reassemble it correctly.

DutchieDC2R > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
04/01/2019 at 23:42

In that case, RTV is absolutely not what I was thinking of.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > BaconSandwich is tasty.
04/01/2019 at 23:49

I used to be a hydraulic mechanic for a living. Using RTV and an o- ring is redundant, and the added volume of goop to a sealing cause all kinds of problems. That said, if there are flaws in a sealing surface, fluid can leak past even a fresh, new 0-ring. In those circumstances (and if no pressure is involved), I suppose it isn’t impossible that some RTV added might just fill the flaws in certain circumstances and give a seal (at least for awhile).

Installing something like a c amshaft position sensor with a new o- ring does not call for RTV. If you want to make installation of the part easier with a new o-ring (and reduce the chance of cutting the new o-ring on installation and inducing a leak), you can coat the o-ring with a bit of motor oil before installing the part.

Chariotoflove > BaconSandwich is tasty.
04/02/2019 at 00:50

If it’s fairly easy to get to, why not just start with the part and go back with the RTV later if just the o ring doesn’t get the seal you need.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > BaconSandwich is tasty.
04/02/2019 at 03:25

Don’t put sealant on the o-ring. Much more likely to have issues in this application. You should however install it with some lube whether that is motor oil or silicone grease or whatever.

nerd_racing > Thatredcar
04/02/2019 at 07:38

I use purple gasket tack to hold gaskets as needed. Some people call it monkey blood.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > DutchieDC2R
04/02/2019 at 12:36

The video I saw used Permatex Black.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com
04/02/2019 at 12:37

Good to know - thanks!

BaconSandwich is tasty. > Chariotoflove
04/02/2019 at 12:39

Given what everyone else here has said, I think I’m going to do exactly that.