Do u guys recommend putting rtv on the heads - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Ryguy63 · 12-05-2019, 08:56 AM

Hey just need your guys opinions...I've got the parts in for the 3-4 time to put the head bck on, and was wondering wether u guys recommend using rtv on the head gasket or not? My last thread couple peeps said it's recommended on all 4 corners so was hoping I could get sum advice, thnx.

LsxDoctor · 12-05-2019, 09:53 AM

I've also herd the same from some "old school" guys. I've never had a problem NOT using it. Only way I would even consider is is if there were a defect where the head seals like a deep scratch or something. As long as the heads/block have a clean surface, not needed.

Greenhornet2 · 12-05-2019, 10:04 AM

Since you have had issues with leaks. I would probably do it. It is against what I would ever do. I have never put RTV on a head gasket personally. Have you sent the heads out to the machine shop to be checked? If there is a hairline crack the RTV won't be any help.

canadian ss · 12-05-2019, 10:44 AM

NEVER use RTV on head gaskets.

I've only used RTV to repair corroded head surfaces so it sits flat on the gasket.

Make sure the surfaces are clean and new looking and dry.

The gasket crushes down to take up imperfections in material. Dowels in the block keep the gasket from moving.

Get the heads checked and plained if its required.

Clean out your head bolt bores so there isnt any fluid or debris in them and use NEW stretch bolts.

Putting any type of material on the head gasket causes a high spot and will affect torque values.

Just because the "Old Dogs" use to do it doesnt mean it was correct.

G8One2 · 12-05-2019, 01:15 PM

Do not use rtv on head gaskets

Batmanntexas · 12-05-2019, 01:41 PM

Are the '4 corners' that are being referenced, the 4 corners that are formed between the heads and intake manifold at the front and rear of the block? That's the only 4 corners that I would ever consider putting RTV on.....

15RS2NV · 12-05-2019, 03:33 PM

I've never used on any of my engine builds. As long as you torque all 3 times correctly, you'll be fine.

Welker2 · 12-05-2019, 03:56 PM

I have done several engine builds over the years, have used RTV on a head gasket; never had any leak.

G8One2 · 12-05-2019, 04:41 PM

Just chuck the gasket. Use RTV, might as well. It will fix all your problems....

Ryguy63 · 12-06-2019, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenhornet2

Since you have had issues with leaks. I would probably do it. It is against what I would ever do. I have never put RTV on a head gasket personally. Have you sent the heads out to the machine shop to be checked? If there is a hairline crack the RTV won't be any help.

No I haven't sent them out yet. I did check with a strait edge and there flat as flat could b. I think I figured out the prob it was the corner alignment Dow wasn't lettein it set all way down bc it was nicked up n was just enough to keep it from gettin complete seal, hopefully anyways lol

Greenhornet2 · 12-06-2019, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryguy63

No I haven't sent them out yet. I did check with a strait edge and there flat as flat could b. I think I figured out the prob it was the corner alignment Dow wasn't lettein it set all way down bc it was nicked up n was just enough to keep it from gettin complete seal, hopefully anyways lol

That will do it. If you found the issue I wouldn't RTV the gasket. I have never done that on a head gasket.

Aqua Blue RS/SS · 12-06-2019, 06:10 PM

Definitely wouldn’t recommend rtv on the heads. Glad you figured it out.

InFiD3ViL · 12-06-2019, 10:21 PM

Only place I am using RTV on an LS is the front and rear covers where they meet the pan. Or if I had my heads ported I would use some on the rocker bolts.

If I was concerned about my heads sealing I would likely get them checked and resurfaced. It really isn't very expensive for just a clean up. My thoughts are, if you are needing RTV, you aren't square.

Wizard1183 · 12-07-2019, 07:13 AM

I recently read where the silicon from the RTV can screw up an engine. People put too much and then it ends up getting into the engine and plugging up oil passages ect.

https://youtu.be/eHEcf0itBuE

12-05-2019, 08:56 AM	#1
Ryguy63 Drives: Camaro 2ss Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Abilene ks Posts: 12	Do u guys recommend putting rtv on the heads Hey just need your guys opinions...I've got the parts in for the 3-4 time to put the head bck on, and was wondering wether u guys recommend using rtv on the head gasket or not? My last thread couple peeps said it's recommended on all 4 corners so was hoping I could get sum advice, thnx.

12-05-2019, 09:53 AM	#2
LsxDoctor 15 Year LS1Tech Member Drives: 2010 ss 391ci LS3 Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 252	I've also herd the same from some "old school" guys. I've never had a problem NOT using it. Only way I would even consider is is if there were a defect where the head seals like a deep scratch or something. As long as the heads/block have a clean surface, not needed. __________________ GJDM

12-05-2019, 10:04 AM	#3
Greenhornet2 Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS LS3 Whipple Join Date: May 2019 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,925	Since you have had issues with leaks. I would probably do it. It is against what I would ever do. I have never put RTV on a head gasket personally. Have you sent the heads out to the machine shop to be checked? If there is a hairline crack the RTV won't be any help. __________________ Whipple 2.9 CAI ID1050x injectors ZL1 Pump JRE FPCM JMS Voltage booster JRE Rough Idle blower cam BTR .660 springs CHE trunnion kit 1 7/8 Speed Engineering Borla Atak JRE scoop 1.5" lowering springs BMR trailing arms and toe links Cradle inserts 704WHP 603WTQ 93 octane

12-05-2019, 01:41 PM	#6
Batmanntexas Drives: 2012 Camaro SS (2SS) Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Stafford, VA Posts: 1,372 View My Garage	Are the '4 corners' that are being referenced, the 4 corners that are formed between the heads and intake manifold at the front and rear of the block? That's the only 4 corners that I would ever consider putting RTV on..... __________________ 745RWHP/634RWTQ on 93 @ 10psi 806/676 on E85 @ 10psi COTW 9/8/14

12-05-2019, 03:33 PM	#7
15RS2NV Ponies are for girls Drives: 2015 RS LFX Red Hot A6 Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Southern AZ Posts: 315 View My Garage	I've never used on any of my engine builds. As long as you torque all 3 times correctly, you'll be fine. __________________ H&R 1.8/1.7” drop, Overkill 80mm + intake ported by AFS, 1" insulator MACE, Accel Super Coils, THR cai, JET MAF sensor, Hurst shifter handle, GPP strut tower brace, CI ice cube tray hood vents (functional) @SemperFiCamaro

12-05-2019, 10:44 AM	#4
canadian ss Psycho on day pass Drives: 2010 yellow 1ss m6 -GM tech Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: grimsby, ont. Posts: 487 View My Garage	NEVER use RTV on head gaskets. I've only used RTV to repair corroded head surfaces so it sits flat on the gasket. Make sure the surfaces are clean and new looking and dry. The gasket crushes down to take up imperfections in material. Dowels in the block keep the gasket from moving. Get the heads checked and plained if its required. Clean out your head bolt bores so there isnt any fluid or debris in them and use NEW stretch bolts. Putting any type of material on the head gasket causes a high spot and will affect torque values. Just because the "Old Dogs" use to do it doesnt mean it was correct.

12-05-2019, 01:15 PM	#5
G8One2 Drives: 2014 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 492	Do not use rtv on head gaskets

12-05-2019, 03:56 PM	#8
Welker2 Ret AF, cancer survivor Drives: 2013 Camaro 2SS/RS & 2006 Corvette Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Mesquite, NV Posts: 2,741 View My Garage	I have done several engine builds over the years, have used RTV on a head gasket; never had any leak. __________________

12-05-2019, 04:41 PM	#9
G8One2 Drives: 2014 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 492	Just chuck the gasket. Use RTV, might as well. It will fix all your problems....

12-06-2019, 06:10 PM	#12
Aqua Blue RS/SS Drives: ABM #93 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Lotaburger Posts: 2,692	Definitely wouldn’t recommend rtv on the heads. Glad you figured it out. __________________ ABM #2399 2SS/RS:SOLD ABM #93 2SS/RS Black Rally stripes, Titanium Interior 4,000 miles: GM GFX side skirts and diffuser waiting on paint, GM dovetail, GM heritage, RPI ZL1 style splitter. ‘87 IROC-Z Iroc blue. all original unmolested with 50K miles. Last edited by Aqua Blue RS/SS; 12-07-2019 at 09:51 AM.

12-06-2019, 10:21 PM	#13
InFiD3ViL Drives: 2010 CGM 2SS/RS LS3 Swapped A6 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 4,574	Only place I am using RTV on an LS is the front and rear covers where they meet the pan. Or if I had my heads ported I would use some on the rocker bolts. If I was concerned about my heads sealing I would likely get them checked and resurfaced. It really isn't very expensive for just a clean up. My thoughts are, if you are needing RTV, you aren't square. __________________ 2010 CGM Camaro 2SS LS3 Swapped A6 - GPI LS3 SS1 .647/.638, (224/237, 112 +4, 7º overlap) on CamMotion 8620 core, BTR Platinum .660" Dual Spring kit w/titanium retainers, CHE bronze trunnion upgrade, stock heads milled @ .015, Melling HV 10296 oil pump, TSP 1-7/8" long tube headers (W/Catless Off-road Pipes), Corsa Xtreme 3" Catback, GPI Ported/Rod Mod Intake, Stage 2 Ported Throttle Body, Vararam OTR CAI, Mike Norris Gen 2 catch can + GM 1LE clean side separator, 160º thermostat - Megan Racing adjustable coilovers (lowered 1.75"), MRR M017 10/11" wheels-Tuned by Ryan @ GPI

12-07-2019, 07:13 AM	#14
Wizard1183 Drives: ABM SS2/RS M6 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lafayette,LA Posts: 2,232	I recently read where the silicon from the RTV can screw up an engine. People put too much and then it ends up getting into the engine and plugging up oil passages ect. https://youtu.be/eHEcf0itBuE __________________ Life is short, drive it like you stole it!