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.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.