VAG EA888 Gen 3 Cam Girdle Reseal using RTV?
Referenced vehicle needs a Cam Girdle reseal. Service information says refer to parts catalog for the correct sealant. Two different Audi dealerships checked the catalog and advised that Audi specs part #D17-650-1A1 (Loctite 5970 RTV) for this application.
This surprised me since EA888 motors usually spec green anaerobic sealant for sealing the cam girdle to cylinder head. Supposedly VAG has revised their recommendation to RTV for other EA888 engines as well.
Does anyone know why? Is anaerobic no longer acceptable for this application?
Either works just fine. Usually I’ll just use whatever parts hands me per the vin. Personally I think the RTV works better but I personally have not had any issue with their green sealant.
Thanks. How recent was the change to RTV? I recall these engines always using green anaerobic, so I was surprised to see the rec for RTV.
when it comes to all German cars it’s normal for them to change recommendations . I saw this many times the dealers are trained to always verify all parts and procedures each time for each repair because what was normal for years can change literally overnight.
Most likely the change is due to costs. Warranty claims for leakage, cost of assembly products etc. If you can’t figure it out, they saved money somehow!
I have used both. In another group someone said there was an actual bulletin from VW indicating the changeover from anaerobic to silicone. I have yet to get eyes on it. On my personal cars I use the Loctite 5970. I prefer it over the anaerobic. Another change on those engines that someone brought up recently was a change in the grade bolt and therefore torque on the crank pulley bolt.
Thanks. I think I know which group you are referring to and I have been unable to find that bulletin as well. The only confirmation I have found is the recommendation change in ETKA. What is the reason for your preference of RTV over anaerobic in this application? I always thought precision-machined surfaces sealed better with anaerobic.
Most anaerobic sealers are for fixed applications where there is no creep between surfaces. RTV works better in applications that have some creep however minor it may be. It also works better on surfaces that are not mirror smooth or are disimilar materials. The current sealer is used in many areas of the engine. It must perform well in all those applications. Using one, relatively cheap sealer…