Cracked gasket, RTV or reuse + RTV?

[DSMdriver89]

I have a cracked gasket that fits between the manifold and turbo. E3Big16g, the gasket is in bad shape, cracked and charred, but in tact. Should I try to reuse this gasket WITH RTV or just pure RTV?

No $$ or time for new gasket right now, this is a temp fix.

Need reply asap ###, thanks.

 

[hhuricane]

In a pinch I might use just RTV alone. Trying to fix the original is just asking for air leaks.

 

[DSMdriver89]

thanks for the quick reply! ill wait for a few other opinions, but that's what I was thinking too.

 

[Killa_dsm]

On the dsmlink forum I have heard of many people running without a mani to turbo gasket without a problem.

 

[Sp1kE]

I am running my car with just the rtv. Lasted all summer.

 

[rEclipserGST]

I guarantee it didn't. That amount of heat consistantly would just turn that rtv into powder. Was it still present after you removed the mani?

 

[MichaelSuch]

The rtv only lasts a few heatcycles and its turned into powder, but the powder is fine, it helps fill in the unevenness of the flanges. I did this earlier this year. Don't use a cracked gasket, it will break apart and fall into the turbo and you will have major problems. Just use RTV for now, get a new metal gasket later when you get the chance. I noticed no difference between my metal gasket and the rtv that I was using previously.

 

[-red97rum-]

I really doubt the rtv will last a single heat cycle in that spot. Glowing turbine housing = no more rtv

Get a new gasket, they are only like $8-10.

 

[DSMdriver89]

really? they were $20 something on dsmparts. idk why....


anyways, I RTV'd it, but I lost a nut that goes on the head side of the mani, how bad is this? I will replace soon but I have to go without for a couple days.

Also, if this doesnt fix it, i think its my wastegate. Should you be able to move the wastegate arm/flapper by hand? Because I cant, i detached the arm and the flapper moves fine, but the arm is HARD to pull (engage), but it does move.

 

[hhuricane]

Sorry, I mis-read the post. I thought he was talking intake. Get a proper gasket, RTV isn't remotely meant to take that kind of heat. The gasket isn't much more than a tube of RTV anyway. Get a new gasket.

 

[DSM91TURBOTALON]

really? they were $20 something on dsmparts. idk why....


anyways, I RTV'd it, but I lost a nut that goes on the head side of the mani, how bad is this? I will replace soon but I have to go without for a couple days.

Also, if this doesnt fix it, i think its my wastegate. Should you be able to move the wastegate arm/flapper by hand? Because I cant, i detached the arm and the flapper moves fine, but the arm is HARD to pull (engage), but it does move.

Or if you want, go to a local parts store and get a sheet of gasket material and make your own, only costed me about 3 bucks for a whole sheet of it. I did this the other weekend when i pulled my throttle body off and cleaned my intake manifold and TB. It was pretty easy to do i just traced it out with a pen and cut it with a razor and a pair of scissors. It looked like the previous owner had black RTV on it and there was hardly anything there to seal it, all corroded off. If you do put new gaskets, make sure you use gasket sealant when your put the new ones on.
As far as the wastegate arm goes, Im pretty sure its supposed to be hard to pull on, i tried pulling on mine a while ago and it was pretty difficult to do, it makes sense because of all the pressure that goes through there . Hope this helps!
-Alex

 

[DSMdriver89]

Yea I will put proper gaskets on everything asap. I RTV'd it, I am going to let it cure overnight.

Thanks for all the comments and input, I will bump the thread with results. Hopefully it'll hold for a few days.