Should I re-do fresh air intake gasket on 2006 Towncar even if it's not currently leaking?

[07-TC-SL]

The weather strip looks nicer. I think I'll order some and just have it around. I always have different types of RTV. Black has the weakest smell was the only thought I gave it. It does not really adhere to either surface so disassembly is not a problem. As long as the floor stays dry I am happy.

If things stay dry then it gets the job done. Here's where my brain is struggling. If the RTV is not securely attaching itself to both surfaces is it truly waterproof? Is RTV perhaps then letting some water in but it's not enough to be a problem?? Any time I've used RTV it essentially permanently attaches itself and is a major pain to clean up if you have to take that part apart in the future. I am surprised that your RTV doesn't adhere well, perhaps the plastic surfaces were not cleaned with rubbing alcohol or similar before applying??

 

[Norms1stTC]

I own a small fleet of 2003 - 2011 Town Cars. I always fix this issue as soon as I get the car. I wipe the old foam out with alcohol on a rag. I then use two tubes of black RTV to form a thick beed around then re-asemble. Through the years I have had to take a few apart for other repairs and the black RTV comes apart easily. Then I just lay it back in when I put everything back together. Here in Orlando I have never had to redo any of the RTV repairs. God Bless.

I did mine with black gasket sealant I had laying around the shop. Worked great.

 

[Action]

If the RTV is not securely attaching itself to both surfaces is it truly waterproof?

The same question can be asked for any sealant or sealer. Improper installation is a problem for anything.

Is RTV perhaps then letting some water in but it's not enough to be a problem??

RTV does not pass water. If it does the application is not correct which is really the first question

Any time I've used RTV it essentially permanently attaches itself and is a major pain to clean up if you have to take that part apart in the future. I am surprised that your RTV doesn't adhere well, perhaps the plastic surfaces were not cleaned with rubbing alcohol or similar before applying??

A good quality of RTV is it is not permanent. This sealant does hold well, it is not a "permanent" type of adhesive that is meant to joint parts together on a permanent basis. It is a sealer not an adhesive.

Clean up is done with physical scraping and/or using a chemical like rubbing alcohol, acetone, brake/carb cleaner, or WD-40

Action

 

[Col. Donald Vincent]

The same question can be asked for any sealant or sealer. Improper installation is a problem for anything.

RTV does not pass water. If it does the application is not correct which is really the first question

A good quality of RTV is it is not permanent. This sealant does hold well, it is not a "permanent" type of adhesive that is meant to joint parts together on a permanent basis. It is a sealer not an adhesive.

Clean up is done with physical scraping and/or using a chemical like rubbing alcohol, acetone, brake/carb cleaner, or WD-40

Action

Have you ever removed a valve cover. The RTV sits in the groove like a O-ring. It can be removed by simply pulling it out with your fingers. After you do your work you can simply wipe the old RTV with a dry rag and reinstall it back into the groove. It does not adhere to the metal or plastic. It simply fills the surface imperfections. You are not sealing a submarine. You are only sealing out out very low pressure water, just enough for the water to run along to the drain.