High temp RTV silicone removal? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

shelby987 · 05-07-2006, 08:32 PM

I bought some headers for my project, but the previous owner put them on his truck with high temp rtv silicone, and I can't seem to get any of it off the mating surfaces of the flanges, and I am pretty sure this would present a problem for getting a proper seal. Does anyone have any tips for getting this stuff off?
I have tried to use a razor blade, but that doesn't seem to work all that well.
Any ideas?

QKENUF4U · 05-07-2006, 08:41 PM

wire wheel

13lazer · 05-07-2006, 09:46 PM

yeah wire wheel mounted on yer drill. stuff rags anywhere you don't want debris

cduster · 05-07-2006, 10:33 PM

Mineral spirits, or carb cleaner works.

Dan

shelby987 · 05-07-2006, 10:38 PM

damn, wished there was something easier.....
Tried carb cleaner, no good....tried brake cleaner......stilll no go.
Should I worry about scuffing the surfaces of the flanges, or as long as they are somewhat flat and clean, I am ok?

QKENUF4U · 05-07-2006, 10:45 PM

wire wheel shouldnt hurt the surface any

Fred T · 05-07-2006, 11:32 PM

I put a wire cup brush in the drill. You can also use Permatex gasket remover, I've used it on other silicones.

There is a reason for the rtv, but it wasn't applied right, at least in my book. The six has a problem with leaks around the manifolds. What I do is use the ultra copper rtv, but I put it between the gasket and the manifolds. A thin bead, all the way around. Keep it off the head, makes cleanup easier. After applying and before installing the manifolds, let it cure for a few minutes. Then put on the manifolds, and don't over-tighten the bolts. Let the thing sit a full day before starting so the rtv cures. Trim off the excess with a knife or razor.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 05-08-2006, 05:04 AM

Permatex makes an RTV -specific stripper. The more serious auto parts stores have it, but not the bubblegum chains [Checker, Auto Zone, etc.]

05-07-2006, 08:32 PM	#1
shelby987 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Just outside Durham, NC Posts: 894	High temp RTV silicone removal? I bought some headers for my project, but the previous owner put them on his truck with high temp rtv silicone, and I can't seem to get any of it off the mating surfaces of the flanges, and I am pretty sure this would present a problem for getting a proper seal. Does anyone have any tips for getting this stuff off? I have tried to use a razor blade, but that doesn't seem to work all that well. Any ideas? __________________ 1969 SS 350 Camaro Sold 2008 1970 3/4T K20, stock height with 33's, 250 I6, 3 on the tree, and locked front and rear 4.10's 1980 Chevy Malibu 2 dr Sold 2007 1993 Olds. Cutlass Ciera Wagon Traded 2006 2003 Saturn L200 w/5pd. D/D My list spans 5 decades with One common thread.....GM!

05-07-2006, 08:41 PM	#2
QKENUF4U Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: SUNNY WARM BIKE RIDING COTTONWOOD ARIZONA Posts: 2,097	Re: High temp RTV silicone removal? wire wheel

05-07-2006, 09:46 PM	#3
13lazer 13lazers' blazers Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Pedro, CA Posts: 152	Re: High temp RTV silicone removal? yeah wire wheel mounted on yer drill. stuff rags anywhere you don't want debris __________________ 1970 2wd blazer 1972 1ton blazer 4x4 in progress 1966 mustang coupe (modified) 1985 c20 suburban tow rig 1996 462 ranger with a 150 efi merc. a former B.A.S.S. tournament boat almost all exempt from california smog laws intentionally.

05-07-2006, 10:33 PM	#4
cduster Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: S.W. Michigan Posts: 403	Re: High temp RTV silicone removal? Mineral spirits, or carb cleaner works. Dan __________________ Good Judgment comes from experience. Most experience comes from bad judgment.

05-07-2006, 10:38 PM	#5
shelby987 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Just outside Durham, NC Posts: 894	Re: High temp RTV silicone removal? damn, wished there was something easier..... Tried carb cleaner, no good....tried brake cleaner......stilll no go. Should I worry about scuffing the surfaces of the flanges, or as long as they are somewhat flat and clean, I am ok? __________________ 1969 SS 350 Camaro Sold 2008 1970 3/4T K20, stock height with 33's, 250 I6, 3 on the tree, and locked front and rear 4.10's 1980 Chevy Malibu 2 dr Sold 2007 1993 Olds. Cutlass Ciera Wagon Traded 2006 2003 Saturn L200 w/5pd. D/D My list spans 5 decades with One common thread.....GM! Last edited by shelby987; 05-07-2006 at 10:39 PM.

05-07-2006, 10:45 PM	#6
QKENUF4U Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: SUNNY WARM BIKE RIDING COTTONWOOD ARIZONA Posts: 2,097	Re: High temp RTV silicone removal? wire wheel shouldnt hurt the surface any

05-07-2006, 11:32 PM	#7
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Re: High temp RTV silicone removal? I put a wire cup brush in the drill. You can also use Permatex gasket remover, I've used it on other silicones. There is a reason for the rtv, but it wasn't applied right, at least in my book. The six has a problem with leaks around the manifolds. What I do is use the ultra copper rtv, but I put it between the gasket and the manifolds. A thin bead, all the way around. Keep it off the head, makes cleanup easier. After applying and before installing the manifolds, let it cure for a few minutes. Then put on the manifolds, and don't over-tighten the bolts. Let the thing sit a full day before starting so the rtv cures. Trim off the excess with a knife or razor. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

05-08-2006, 05:04 AM	#8
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,504	Re: High temp RTV silicone removal? Permatex makes an RTV -specific stripper. The more serious auto parts stores have it, but not the bubblegum chains [Checker, Auto Zone, etc.] __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

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