When replacing valve cover gaskets, with cork caskets, is it necessary to apply any sort of gasket sealer?
it's always a good idea, but one of the BIGGEST reasons for leaks is overtightening, it pushes the gaskets out of position. That's why I spray adhesive them to the cover so they don't fall out of place. Only tighten enough to stay on
Cork ? Why would you use cork ? I put neoprene gaskets (glued to the Offy covers with Permatex) in the Pontiac engine in my rail back in 1964 and they are still in there and not leaking. I use a very light coat of Vaseline petroleum jelly on the head side of the gasket when reinstalling the covers....and not every time either. Oh, yeah....don't over-tighten the bolts.
It's not absolutely necessary, but a thin film of RTV or some of the spray-on type gasket dressing helps make the seal between the valve cover and the head tight over time. Just make sure the valve cover ain't distorted around the bolts - and don't over-tighten them!
cork works but it can shrink, get brittle and fail so I don't use them..much sounds like everybody has a recipe that works for them, mine is like JohnnyFast I use permatex 2 on the valve cover side, and motor oil on the head side unless it's prone to leakage, then permatex on both sides
Another thing to do is place the valve covers on a flat surface after you've put the gasket on with adhesive and weight them down with oil cans or something until the adhesive dries. You can also tie the gaskets in place thru the bolt holes with thread to keep the gasket from moving around.
It's a spray on copper colored adhesive that doesn't dry hard, it stays tacky. Since it's spray on you get complete and uniform coverage. It's just sumthin I picked up from other mechanics when I worked at a dealership. Never had any problems with it, just be sure that you're surfaces are CLEAN.
use sealant on the valve cover only so most of the gasket sticks to the cover rather than the head when you remove it. Bob
I like a thin layer of RTV sealer spread on the head side, then glue them to the cover with Gasgacinch or RTV. They last longer that way,if you can't get the good aftermarket pieces.
Not really, but I do sometimes it helps to glue it on with some trim adhesive, like when replacing an automatic trans pan..keeps the gasket holes in line...glue to the pan...not the transmission.... or sometimes some RTV silicone...used to use Permatex #2 or Aviation cement...when I was a kid... Lots of high teck stuff out there now today...anything with copper in it.... My Uncle Harold used to give it a wipe of chassis grease...kept the gasket in place...Dad used Permatex....both claimed their methods worked fine...
cork is the way as long as you drive them they wont dry out and they soak up oil and in my opinion they seal better
I like to use weather stripping cement (gorilla snot) to glue the extra thick cork gaskets to the valve covers. Why?...because I think it looks good. That's why!
I been using that stuff for years with great results. By the way, Is gorilla snot yellow? I never have seen a live gorilla with a runny nose!
I use the Permatex aircraft sealer. For valve covers, i'd apply to the valve cover side and stick the gasket. Wouldnt apply to the head side, as long as the surface is clean (which it needs to be.) The aircraft sealant lasts long and helps avoid leaks, imho. -scott noteboom
Another thing that helps, on sheetmetal items, is to take the valve cover (or pan) invert it, place the edge on a piece of wood and tap down the metal immediately surounding the bolt holes. With time they get sunk in. Bob
This is a good idea make sure the bolt holes arent dimpled in toward the head if they are flatten them back out
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