Applying Anaerobic Sealer

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Montana, 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2002 Chevrolet Venture. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The anaerobic gasket eliminator hardens in the absence of air. This type of sealer is used where 2 rigid parts (such as castings) are assembled together. When 2 rigid parts are disassembled and no sealer or gasket is readily noticeable, the parts were probably assembled using a gasket eliminator.

Important: Do not use any other method or technique in order to remove the gasket material from a component.

Do not use the following items in order to clean the gasket surfaces:

Abrasive pads
Sand paper
Power tools
These methods of cleaning may damage the part.

Abrasive pads also produce a fine grit that the oil filter cannot remove from the oil. This grit is abrasive and may cause internal engine damage.
Remove all of the gasket material from the component using a plastic or a wood scraper. Use Loctite® brand gasket remover P/N 4MA or the equivalent. Follow all of the safety recommendations and the directions that are on the container.
Apply a continuous bead of the gasket eliminator to 1 flange. Clean and dry any surfaces that you will reseal.
Important: Anaerobic sealed joints that are partially torqued and allowed to cure more than 5 minutes may result in incorrect shimming and sealing of the joint.
Do not allow the sealer to enter the blind threaded holes. The sealer may cause the following conditions:
- Prevent you from properly seating the bolt
- Cause damage when you tighten the bolt
Spread the sealer evenly in order to get a uniform coating on the sealing surface.
Tighten the bolts to the specifications.
Remove the excess sealer from the outside of the joint.