RTV all over intake. Risk of damage if injected?

[Kurtatron]

My RX330 saga continues. I’m trying to replace the valve cover gaskets due to substantial leaking. Opened up the intake manifold and found a silicone mess.

THIS is why I try to do work like this myself, and not moronic people that you have no idea what ways they skimp out!


Should I leave it alone or attempt to remove as much as I can? I am worried some might slip past the paper towels, into the cylinders.

Would this cause damage if RTV chunks fell down the intake?

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

Shopvac as you scrape

 

[siriusc1024]

I clean aluminum surfaces with wadded up aluminum foil and a solvent like mineral spirits. Softer aluminum than the castings, so it's abrasive on dirt but not parts. Keep areas you don't want debris going sealed like you did and shop vac/air wand the rest. Might want to reinstall the intake bolts to protect the holes while cleaning.

Lot quicker and thorough than messing with scrapers. Can't always get the angle right in tight places.

Razor blades and putty knives gouge. Even a brass putty knife will because there's beryllium in the alloy. FYI don't sharpen beryllium bronze or brass without a respirator. Best to just not.

 

[MasterSolenoid]

Might want to reinstall the intake bolts to protect the holes while cleaning.

That's a good idea.
If the 'bolts' will be in your way, install some short set screws.

 

[brages]

who knows what horrors await under the valve covers!