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Copper RTV in combustion chamber?

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Old Sep 5, 2015 | 08:17 AM
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Default Copper RTV in combustion chamber?

I have to replace my cam again, and got to wondering if I need to take the intake off again?

I used copper RTV on the intake rocker bolts, so I'm assuming some will fall into the intake port and then the combustion chamber. Will it just burn off? Or should I remove the intake and vacuum it all out.
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Old Sep 5, 2015 | 08:35 AM
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You don't need to take the rocker bolts, but I wouldn't worry about a small amount of RTV falling in the cylinders even if you do.
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Old Sep 5, 2015 | 09:40 AM
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You won't need to remove the intake manifold to change the cam. You will have to remove the rockers arms to relieve tension on lifters and cam - you knew that - but the post above sort of confused the issue. I haven't heard of anyone taking any special precautions about any RTV sealant that falls into the combustion chamber. I'm sure others will chime in.
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Old Sep 5, 2015 | 11:13 AM
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RTV is no big deal in the combustion chamber. It'll burn off. It is known to foul oxygen sensors so after the cam swap, when you go to get it tuned, don't be too surprised if the tuner tells you the oxygen sensors are a bit lazy
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Old Sep 6, 2015 | 12:48 AM
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Originally Posted by redtan
You don't need to take the rocker bolts, but I wouldn't worry about a small amount of RTV falling in the cylinders even if you do.
why wouldn't you need to remove the rocker bolts if you are replacing the cam?
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Old Sep 6, 2015 | 06:54 AM
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Sounds like I'm okay then. I wasn't sure that because I used copper, if that would lead to any more potential for damage.
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Old Sep 6, 2015 | 06:57 AM
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Just my personal opinion, last time I had a situation like this I pulled the intake so I could put rags in the intake ports prior to pulling the rockers. Then I used a powerful shop vac with the small fitting to vacuum out each port. Just something I felt more comfortable doing to prevent anything from going into the cylinders.
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Old Sep 6, 2015 | 10:58 AM
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You will have to remove the rockers arms to relieve tension on lifters and cam - you knew that - but the post above sort of confused the issue.
why wouldn't you need to remove the rocker bolts if you are replacing the cam?
You can just loosen them to relieve the tension of the rocker on the springs and/or lifters. You don't have to take them all the way out at all even if you have to change the pushrods or springs...you can just swing the rocker arm left or right out of the way.
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