Sealing Corners on a LIM Gasket Job...

[Primal]

Hey All,

I'm doing a LIM gasket on my 2000 GTP. Someone I consider highly reliable told me to use the GM Pipe Sealant with PTFE on both the LIM to Head bolts AND the corner seals. It seemed a little odd at the time, but I went with the advice. Back in the day when I was playing with Small Block Chevys I would have used RTV on the end seals and not thread sealant.

The stuff is GM #12346004

It's definitely taking a while to cure and I'm getting kind of concerned that I didn't use straight RTV. I double checked with the guy who recommended it and, again, he said it's what he uses and that GM actually recommends this sealant on both LIM end seals and oil pans.

So, my question is, I have only got the LIM on here now. I can pull it off and reassemble with RTV. Granted, I don't really want to, but I'd rather do it now than later if I have a problem. It's alot easier now than later, obviously.

Has anyone else used the PTFE stuff or heard it recommended for use on the end seals? It's bugging me because I wish I went with my gut and used RTV, but now it's done and I need to decide if I want to keep going or pull it apart again and go RTV. Thoughts?

I basically need to decide if I'm going forward or pulling off the LIM and using RTV.

Thanks a ton!

Adam

[GTP89]

Grey or Black rtv what I use and always have used and never had issues done about 5 lim gaskets and supercharged ones as well if not more and never had a issue at all. I use it for almost every gasket

[Scottydoggs]

i used the grey rtv as well. i put a dab on the corner first, then laid the ruber in, then another dab so some got on top of the rubber.

id pop it back off and use something more then a thread sealant for the lim corners. red rtv would work well too.

you can re use the gaskets, they will be ok.

[Primal]

Thanks, guys. Yeah, I decided I was going to pull it back off and redo it with the black RTV. Your replies just made me more sure it's the right choice.

I guess it's cool because I didn't go past the LIM yet.

Thanks again,

Adam

[BillBoost37]

The pipe sealant won't cure. It stays nice and goopy, pretty much forever. RTV is the way to go. However the pipe sealant may have worked, since there's really no pressure and all it's doing is keeping the oil splash from seeping out.

[Primal]

The pipe sealant won't cure. It stays nice and goopy, pretty much forever. RTV is the way to go. However the pipe sealant may have worked, since there's really no pressure and all it's doing is keeping the oil splash from seeping out.

Thanks, Bill! BTW, I see you're a fellow CT guy. I've read some of your posts. If I'd known you a few weeks ago, I'd have brought the car to you instead.

Adam

[Primal]

Bill, would you recommend the GM pipe sealant on the LIM bolt threads or would you go with an aftermarket Permatex thread sealant product?

Thanks again!

Adam

[BillBoost37]

The GM stuff is in my goop drawer, on the shelf is a bigger bottle I got for a lot less from Home Depot and heck.. Permatex would work perfectly fine too. It's all the same thing, so these days I look at the cost so I can spend the savings on a beer.

Adam.. it's all good. You are in the area of a couple buddies .. (stratford), maybe the next time I'm down that way, we can meet up.

[Primal]

Definitely, man!

[Primal]

Bill,

off topic for thread but do you use any RTV on the water pump gasket or thermostat housing? I was told to install them dry because the factory gaskets have the red rib all the way around and that's enough.

Incidentally, I'm using the GM aluminum LIM gaskets as opposed to aftermarket. Best option?

thanks again! I owe you a beer!

Adam

[Scottydoggs]

water pump and t stat gaskets, put them in dry, the water pump has 4 long bolts, put some of that thread sealant on the 4 long bolts.


gm gaskets are just fine, my guess is you got acdelco al gaskets for the intake, i used the same.

[Primal]

Thanks, bro!