Vision 550 CCT install tips

[CatatonicBug]

The idea behind using the RTV is that you don't use so much that is squeezes out past the mating surfaces. It doesn't take a rocket scientist or a master artisan to apply a 1/16" bead of the stuff along the mating surfaces in such a way that you only get a slight squeeze-out on each side. Yes, I agree that there are those "PO's" that insist on using their finger to spackle the stuff on there, leaving a drooling mess, but you can't blame the product for that... If the mating surfaces are so poorly constructed that there is a 1/16" gap for the stuff to fill in, there is something else wrong, and that needs to be fixed first.

The normal application method requires that you completely clean all oil residue from both mating surfaces. Then, apply a THIN bead to one of the surfaces. Then, mate the surfaces, only fastening the bolts FINGER TIGHT! Wait an HOUR for the stuff to cure a bit, creating the gasket, then, torque the bolts down. The stuff I use, "The Right Stuff", in a can, does not require completely clean surfaces or the hour of waiting before tightening the bolts. Plus, the applicator tip makes it a MUCH easier job to apply a clean bead.

Cleanup is much easier the next time you need to get in there if you use RTV as well, since the stuff comes right off with a wire toothbrush. No need for the jack-hammer or needle scaler required to get a crusty paper gasket off.

[natemoen]

How do you like being tag teamed, Greg?
Did you think it was easier pick-ons over here?



OK now, let's see. 40 PSI in your rear tire, yer gonna die.
Silicone engine gaskets, yer engines gonna die.
Purrty soon, I'm gonna have this XS stuff figgered out.
CZ

Greg likes being tag teamed, but Tod has to be one of them!

[Irukandji]

There BaaaAAck........

[natemoen]

There BaaaAAck........

What??????

[DAVINCI]

Wow,

All this talk about doom, engine destruction and wire toothbrushes is making my teeth hurt.

[3Phase]

Wow,

All this talk about doom, engine destruction and wire toothbrushes is making my teeth hurt.

Nah, you're not doomed unless you use the same wire toothbrush to apply the RTV for the gaskets and to set the air pressure in the tires.

[cywelchjr]

Nah, you're not doomed unless you use the same wire toothbrush to apply the RTV for the gaskets and to set the air pressure in the tires.

Hey, that 30 year old bypasss filter spring was one of the incentives for me to do the SOFA mod to mine. As well, looking as the filter design, I can't see how a LOT of oil doesn't seep past the center rubber rings on those filters anyways, so I think the filter design on these engines is pretty close to junk, and the first thing to do it get rid of it and go to a REAL filter that actually makes the oil go through it unless it really does need to hit the bypass pressure (and as I understand it, using a higher quality filter having more pleats will flow more oil even cold because there is more filter material to flow through, a good reason to use the higher quality Napa filters, which BTW I found fit the OEM filter bolt tighter than the Fram filters did).

Now for me, I for the most part don't use RTV, but rather use Yamabond, but the same idea applies, use it per the directions, so you don't have a bunch of extra crap running around inside the engine.

[CaptonZap]

Now for me, I for the most part don't use RTV, but rather use Yamabond, but the same idea applies, use it per the directions, so you don't have a bunch of extra crap running around inside the engine.

Since I haven't had experience with Yamabond, being allergic to the prices that dealers demand, I will pass a little tip on about using Gasgacinch. Which is, I've been told, sort of like Yamabond.
Gasgacinch comes in a can with a dauber attached to the lid. The dauber is about the size of a large Bing cherry. The consistency and color is about like honey. Watching a friend trying to get a coating on some case halves, using the dauber, and figuring that what he was doing was like a 4 year old girl trying to put on makeup like mommy, I knew there had to be a better way.
Q-tips should be a staple in everyones tool box. They are handy for cleaning out small recesses full of schmutz, and they make a servicable disposable brush for gasket cement. And touchup paint.
Thank you, Heloise.

CZ

[3Phase]

The oil filter, like the stock cam chain tensioner, is a compromise.

The filter is designed to filter during normal use but get out of the way quickly when oil demand exceeds oil supply so the engine doesn't grenade during occasional romps around redline or gnaw itself to the bone during cold starts.

I think the stock filter is a better compromise than the tensioner but at least T.C. makes the S.O.F.A. so there is a good alternative available. One of these days I'm going to have to get one for Columbo ... "Just one more thing!"

I don't use RTV at all. I cut my own gaskets from gasket paper, mostly just because I can but I really don't like cleaning RTV off of parts. That's how and when little tiny bits of silicone can get into the engine, not from glopping it on with a hand trowel. I do use a light film of Yamabond on certain spots like the camshaft end plugs under the valve cover and, of course, on the engine case halves but that's about it.