Now the mower will not crank!

[Auto Doc's]

I like it when a DIY type uses clear bathtub silicone and then wonders why it still leaks. LOL

 

[slomo]

You don't have to pry covers off when sealed with RTV; You shear them off

I'm all eyes. Please elaborate.

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

You don't have to pry covers off when sealed with RTV; You shear them off. Then you cleanup the mating surfaces by removing the old RTV.

And yes inexperience people use too much RTV. They also don't allow the RTV cure overnight before adding oil and cranking up the engines. RTV will not cure once oil contacts it resulting in early leaks.

Use a heat gun to soften up the RTV. Use a drill with a wire brush to remove the RTV.

 

[StarTech]

Use a heat gun to soften up the RTV. Use a drill with a wire brush to remove the RTV.

Boy what ever happen to using a backbone razor blade first and then a final clean up some 2" Medium grit Scotch Brite Discs on a die grinder. Much less damaging to the aluminum surface.

I'm all eyes. Please elaborate.

It removing the screws then using a block of wood up against the broad side of the cover and smacking the wood with a heavy hammer. Might take a few licks but the RTV will shear then the cover can easily be pried off without damaging the cover. Even works on those hard to get off Honda covers.

Its just like applying RTV where you finger tight the screws, let the assembly sit over night without oil added, and then torque to specs. Using this method even those hard to keep from leaking Kohler Courage Single rocker covers stay sealed.

Now Right Stuff is suppose to be faster setting up but I have never try it.

 

[slomo]

Even works on those hard to get off Honda covers.

Those are the worst. I have one of my own I couldn't get off with gentle persuasion. Guess some caveman tactics are in order.

 

[Auto Doc's]

Right stuff is a great sealer that is not too difficult to fight with later, the drawback is that it is expensive.

 

[slomo]

I use this. Non hardening sealant designed for oil, gas, grease, aviation and automotive. Made for valve cover gaskets and oil pans.

Does not require a jack hammer to remove a valve cover later LOL.

The number 1 version has a faster setting up time.