RTV, A warning Options

[scotty b]

I felt compelled to post these pics and do a little admonishing.

First off let me make it clear that while this is Jim's engine this is NOT Jims handiwork. He bought this engine as is and had no idea of the " work, previously pervormed.

Whoever put this intake manifold on not only liked RTV, but also felt it was needed in some VERY unnecessary areas. First off there is NO need to put RTV on an intake manifold gasket. The blue seam in the center of the gasket is a crush ring. When the bolts are torqued down, the blue insert crushes and spreads out to form the seal. Hence NO NEED FOR RTV. Looking at the water jacket you can see how the RTV goozed out into the water jacket thus closing a fair portion of it off. Now this alone is not all that detremental as the coolant will still flow, BUT what would happen if this chunk managed to break off and start flowing through the passages ? The worst spot is at the ends of the manifold. It IS common practice to use a bead of RTV in these areas as the " factory style " rubber strips are notorious for slipping upon torquing the bolts down and end up leaking. This engine however, once again had too much RTV applied and you can see the dingleberry hagning down just waiting to break loose into the intake valley. Nexzt stop is the oilong passages. NOT GOOD. This is certainly not the first time I have seen this and I am sure it will not be the last. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Please be careful with your RTV usage