RTV Gasket Surface - Preparation and Service Tips
Article No. 94-6-5Date: March 23, 1994
ENGINE - 2.3L HSC/HSO - RTV GASKET SURFACE PREPARATION AND SERVICE TIPS
FORD: 1989-94 TEMPO
LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1989-94 TOPAZ
ISSUE:
Various surfaces of the engine require thorough cleaning of the machined surfaces when silicone-based Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) is specified for a form-in-place gasket. Failure to properly clean and prep the machined surfaces with the proper solvent can prevent the RTV from bonding.
ACTION:
Refer to the following procedure for proper surface preparation for form-in-place gaskets.
CAUTION:
DO NOT USE IMPROPER SOLVENTS FOR SURFACE PREPARATION SUCH AS "BRAKE CLEAN", CARBURETOR CLEANER, ETC. THESE SOLUTIONS CAN LEAVE A RESIDUE ON THE MACHINED SURFACES. USE "METAL SURFACE CLEANER" (F4AZ-19A536-RA).
Metal Surface Cleaner (F4AZ-19A536-RA) meets Ford specification WSE-M5B392-A. The new cleaner contains greater than 99% "D-LIMONENE" as the active ingredient and stabilizers to prolong shelf life.
1. Carefully clean the machined surfaces and grooves to remove any of the old sealant contaminants or gasket material.
WARNING:
READ THE PRODUCT LABEL THOROUGHLY BEFORE USING "METAL SURFACE CLEANER" (F4AZ-19A536-RA).
^ Wear protective gloves (impervious to the solvent, preferably made of natural rubber) to prevent irritation to exposed surfaces of the skin.
^ Apply the solvent in a well ventilated area and avoid excessive Inhalation of vapor, fumes, dust and/or mist from the cleaner.
^ Always wear protective safety glasses with side shields when using the cleaner.
NOTE:
METAL SURFACE CLEANER HAS A LIMITED SHELF LIFE. THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS MUST BE OBSERVED:
^ Shelf life can be extended by keeping the container tightly capped and storing it in a cool place when not in use.
^ Opened containers need to be properly discarded six months after first opened.
^ Unopened containers can be used up to two years after the packaged date stamped on the bottom of the container. If the container package date is greater than two years old, the container needs to be properly discarded.
2. Saturate a clean dry cloth with Metal Surface Cleaner (F4AZ-19A536-RA) and thoroughly swab the form-in-place gasket sealing surfaces. The solvent will remove the remaining traces of surface contaminants and prepare the surface for the application of RTV.
3. Wait five minutes or until the surface is dry to the touch, whichever is longer, before making the form-in-place gasket.
WARNING:
ONLY APPLY RTV IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA AND AVOID EXCESSIVE INHALATION OF THE FUMES.
CAUTION:
APPLYING A GREATER AMOUNT OF RTV THAN SPECIFIED WILL NOT IMPROVE THE SEALING AREA OF THE FORM-IN-PLACE GASKET. THE EXTRA MATERIAL CAN BECOME DISLODGED AND PLUG THE ENGINE OIL PUMP PICK-UP SCREEN.
4. Obtain a NEW tube of RTV (F1AZ-19562-A) (WSE-M4G320-A2) or equivalent and check the expiration date before using.
CAUTION:
THE AMOUNT OF TIME REQUIRED BEFORE THE RTV WILL START TO SKIN OVER WILL VARY ACCORDING TO THE AMOUNT OF HUMIDITY PRESENT. THE SKIN OVER TIME WILL USUALLY BE ABOUT FIVE MINUTES. IF THE RTV IS ALLOWED TO SKIN OVER AND LOSE THE ADHESIVE QUALITIES, IT MUST BE REMOVED AND THE PROCESS RESTARTED FROM STEP 1.
5. Properly apply the RTV (F1AZ-19562-A) as specified and shown in the appropriate Service Manual.
PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS
F4AZ-19A536-RA Metal Surface Cleaner V
F1AZ-19562-A RTV Sealant B
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY
OASIS CODES: 401000, 499000