Valve cover gaskets
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Valve cover gaskets Which v/c gaskets do you guys use on your center bolt heads? It seems to be a pita re-installing the typical reusable rubber gasket when valve lash have to check every now and then. Is there a different kind of gasket out there that is easier to re-install and yet seal just as good?
I solved this problem by RTVing one side of the gasket to the valve cover itself. Put a THIN bead around the trough of the valve cover and set the gasket in. It should be thin enough so it doesn't squish out and look like crap. Once it's set in, installing the VCs is MUCH easier.
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I solved this problem by RTVing one side of the gasket to the valve cover itself. Put a THIN bead around the trough of the valve cover and set the gasket in. It should be thin enough so it doesn't squish out and look like crap. Once it's set in, installing the VCs is MUCH easier.
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I've used the same rubber gaskets for like 9 years, but only removed them 4 x. New valve covers, 1.52's, 1.6's and 1.7's, so far. I would think cleaning them and using the good rtv on one side would work well.
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My valve covers have orange seals (they were on the motor when I got the car), they fit snugly in the grooves and have never leaked, opened them numerous times for valve lash and checking head torque after heat cycles after the heads were off.
I've noticed the seals themselves have a groove too to sit on the walls of the heads for sealing.
I've noticed the seals themselves have a groove too to sit on the walls of the heads for sealing.
I use cork too.. Only problem is they started leaking when I was using the sauce. Too much crankcase pressure I suppose. Otherwise, I have had the best luck with cork gaskets. Always stick to the valve cover (with the help of an adhesive) and don't leak.
Which v/c gaskets do you guys use on your center bolt heads? It seems to be a pita re-installing the typical reusable rubber gasket when valve lash have to check every now and then. Is there a different kind of gasket out there that is easier to re-install and yet seal just as good?
Thanks man, but I have done this, and have to do them each and every time I take the valve covers off. There's got to be a better solution to this.
Thanks man, but I have done this, and have to do them each and every time I take the valve covers off. There's got to be a better solution to this.
Since I am boosted I have to be careful of valve cover leaks and I use a composite cork they aren't cheap ~$50. The composite cork gaskets seal well but are a royal pain in the ***.
RTV doesnt work so good, clean the covers with alcohol and use 3M weatherstrip adhesive to glue them to the cover. Use a light coat of white lithium grease to stop them from sticking to the head.
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