Valve cover gasket.

[Bushytails]

I think the "bouncing down to the oil pan" part is what he was concerned about. How big are those passages?

About 8" by 2"...

(If I recall correctly, it just runs down the front inside the timing chain cover - if someone has had theirs apart more than ours and wants to check, that'd be good - but I'm pretty sure there's nothing a bit of silicone can clog)

--Bushytails

[amphi]

Well I usually site sources when I post but failed this time.

I'm not the only one who claims too much is a bad idea.

Did a google search for "too much" rtv "valve cover" – got 1,700 hits. Not all deal directly with this subject but some do.

Here is a sample:

CAUTION: Do not let any pieces of rubber or debris fall into the engine.
http://autos.yahoo.com/maintain/repa...ques045_2.html

With the valve cover on tight you should not see any sealant that has squeezed out. If you have, you used too much. Take the valve cover off, make sure no excess has squeezed out under the cover. You don't want pieces of cured RTV to circulate in your oil system.
http://forums.focaljet.com/svt-headq...ver-issue.html


Oh, and DON'T use too much RTV
http://www.ffcobra.com/FAQ/engine01.html

Remember too much could break loose and clog your oil pump.
http://www.autostalk.com/jeep-willys...2l-155546.html

Using too much sealant can plug up the oil pump screen
http://books.google.com/books?id=KsY...um=9&ct=result

too much RTV can get into things
http://forums.carcraft.com/70/700331...ler/index.html

The phrase "less is more" works well here. Use of too much RTV sealer is a common concern for leaks. Remember RTV sealers are anaerobic and cure slowly. I have found that just a smiggen of sealer applied to the corners of the half-moons seem to work well. Also, Clean bonding surfaces are crucial for a good stick. I'm always careful on removal for the cam cover not to allow any of the RTV sealer to fall into the motor.
http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/arc.../t-396317.html

Just dont use too much RTV because not only will it seal improperly but it may lead to RTV getting into the engine and gunking all kinds of stuff up.
http://www.kia-forums.com/1g-1994-20...lant-leak.html


The list goes on.

[Bushytails]

Clogging the pickup screen is the only real concern, and that's not incredibly likely... The whole "circulate through the engine" bit seems to imply people forget there's a screen and a filter.

I've dropped pans and found silicone, dipstick pieces, broken less-than-critical engine parts, etc, and never a clogged screen...

Also, with a proper two-step tightening sequence, none should break off no matter how much you use. Apply liberally, tighten down until it's sitting on top of 1/16" of silicone (or more if you're trying to seal badly warped parts), let dry, then torque to the rated torque. This forms a nice perfectly-shaped silicone gasket which is then compressed, rather than just squishing it out the sides.


--Bushytails