I am original owner of 2004 MSC, Libby, now with 255000 miles on her. I am putting together the parts to change the timing chain, Cam sprocket, guide rails and hydraulic tensioner to quiet down the increasingly noisy timing chain, and replace the timing chain cover seal to end the leak.

The Bentley manual calls for applying Loctite RTV 5999 sealer or equal to joint between engine block and the bearing ladder. There is a picture in the Bentley manual, with arrows pointing to the joint where the sealant goes...So do i just use the sealant at those two places, or should i run a bead all the way around the sealing surface?

Also, the RTV-5999 is as hard to find as it is expensive...$50 for a 10 Oz cartridge suitable for use in a caulk gun. What have other people used instead of the 5999? Loctite has a product called RTV-5699 the appears to be the same stuff as the 5999, but not as thick...the 5999 is described as heavy bodied in the Loctite selector guide, while the 5699 is described as light bodied, otherwise they have the same description...Anyone have AN "OR EQUAL" suggestion?

Thanks in Advance,

Mike

 

We've used black RTV with good result, we also stock a timing cover gasket kit, not that many people need it, but it is easier to install a new clean gasket than it is to clean the old one.