Disolve RTV??

1972_911T · 11-20-2007, 04:44 AM

Is there any solvent that will dissolve RTV sealer? I just stripped a 3.0 engine that had the oil cooler sealed with RTV sealer and im worried some of the sealer may have ended up inside the cooler, the last thing I want after my rebuild is for that to make its way out and into the oil circuit. Can I fill my cooler with anything that will break it down if its there?

Steve

jp88targa · 11-20-2007, 05:01 AM

No solvent, good old hard work here. Try using a razor and go slowly, after that a small piece of scotch brite, after that clean with MEK or Acetone.

304065 · 11-20-2007, 05:34 AM

Steve,

Best bet is to send the oil cooler to some place that will ultrasonically clean, crack-check and test for flow. Here in the Colonies we use Pacific Oil Cooler for just such a service, it's under $150.

3.2 CAB · 11-20-2007, 09:30 AM

I have used lacquer thinner to soften and dissolve various types of RTV sealant. You could try it by filling the cooler up, and let it sit for a while, the longer the better. After you think it has been long enough, a day or so, dump it and flush it out, then use air to blow it dry. Being that lacquer thinner evaporates very quickly when open to air, try to plug the holes so it won't dry up so fast, before you are ready to dump and flush. Berrymans B-12 chem tool will do this also. If you use lacquer thinner, or the B-12 chem tool, try to keep any of this stuff off of your skin, very bad results.

euro911sc · euro911sc's Garage

Agree with above and that RTV is a real PITA. I still have nightmares...

One thought, isn't the oil cooler the last stop prior to front mounted cooler/oil filter? Ergo, even if the cooler had RTV in it that RTV would never make it past the filter... so it may not be as critical to get the whole thing sparkle clean?

BTW, 3.2 CAB, is that a 84 ft. slantnose in your signature? Is that a boat?

Best regards,

Michael

1972_911T · 11-20-2007, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by euro911sc

One thought, isn't the oil cooler the last stop prior to front mounted cooler/oil filter? Ergo, even if the cooler had RTV in it that RTV would never make it past the filter... so it may not be as critical to get the whole thing sparkle clean?

Michael

No the cooler is first on the oil path before all the bearing oil feeds so any crap in the cooler could end up anywhere.

I mighnt try a little test with various solvents on some old RTV to see if any break it down.

Steve

304065 · 11-20-2007, 10:59 AM

911quest · 11-20-2007, 11:41 AM

Most solvents won't disolve the RTV it WILL cause it to swell and enlarge.

3.2 CAB · 11-20-2007, 12:29 PM

Nope, it is not 84' long. I had typing issues when I posted the signature. I have tried to change it, but when I do, I get an error message, stating that it is too long, and it won't let me swap sides on the- '. So I guess it will have to stay 84'. O-WELL!