What kind of sealant for the cam cover?

Post by **BlackBart** » 04 Jul 2018, 15:27

What type of sealant am I using to install the cam cover? Is it a local auto parts store, a REINS product, or a Volvo-only product?

Then what kind of roller and nap would you recommend?

Thank you!

Post by **BlackBart** » 04 Jul 2018, 16:02

Did some reading...

Permatex anaerobic gasket?

https://www.permatex.com/products/gaske ... ket-maker/

As opposed to the $32 Volvo version?

Post by **abscate** » 04 Jul 2018, 16:11

I think the permatex pink stuff got good reviews, maybe in the P2 forum, recently?

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 04 Jul 2018, 17:09

I use Victor Reinz Silicone Bead-n-Seal Aluminum Sealant. It is $5.00 for a 80mL tube.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 04 Jul 2018, 19:22

I have used this on Volvos without issue (bevel gear, oil pan and cam covers):

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_7651189

I have also used it on Audi, BMW, Subaru, Range Rover and VW. Make sure everything is clean and you should have no issues.

It is the same stuff as abscate mentions - only in a Napa package.

I used a small foam roller. Keep the packaging and you can reuse it over and over.

Post by **BlackBart** » 04 Jul 2018, 21:38

Good info everyone, thanks.

How thick to roll it on? Just a thin film, or some thickness?

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 04 Jul 2018, 22:38

.
Even thin film. The book say roll it on with a short hair roller. If you pay attention to your work, a finger works just as well. My guess the roller is for people with zero artistic talent. One could still mess it with a roller if they overload the roller.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 04 Jul 2018, 23:28

Anaerobic sealant is used on finely machined surfaces to fill the slightest imperfections. It dries with the absence of air, so any extra that oozes out when torquing gets washed away over time. Thin is best - usually with the red stuff - slightly pink on the aluminum is sufficient.

I like a foam roller b/c it doesn't suck up so much sealant and leaves a smoother texture. Plus I picked it up at the dollar store for a dollar and it comes with a niffty container that I return the roller after each use.

I have used a gloved finger in tight areas and sometimes to apply before smoothing with the roller.

Just keep it even and level - as stated above "Even thin film".

Post by **erikv11** » 05 Jul 2018, 08:52

Roller is far superior to the finger in this case. Like Herman says, only use the finger in a tight area the roller didn't get to. Much easier to keep the layer thin with a roller. I use a short nap paint roller but sounds like foam works well too.

Do some googling for images of people using the sealant and mostly you will find examples where far, far too much was applied. You just need a continuous surface, even that will be smushed out when you torque down the cam cover. Apply to one surface only, that's plenty.

The residual on the roller will not dry for months or even years just like the sealant in the tube will not - in other words just put the roller loosely back in the package and use it next time you need it. This avoids wasting sealant by throwing away the amount that sticks to the roller.

Post by **oragex** » 05 Jul 2018, 09:23

Not sure about the cover, but for the head gasket it takes anaerobic sealant. Here's why