Ryan77

I just purchased some GM performance parts polished valve covers, and will be using rubber gaskets. Do the rubber gaskets require sealent? The directions say "use sealent between the gasket and valve cover, but not if the gasket is rubber". But then the next step says to use some on the cylinder head side. Do I need sealent on the bottom only or not at all?

Chris O'

I use Fel Pro rubber gasket on my chrome covers. I put a little rtv on the cover side to keep the gasket in place when putting it back on the engine.

You probably don't need to though, but it won't hurt.

:cheers:

Paul L

I would not use gaskets, only RTV.

Ganey

Some of us glue rubber gaskets to the valve covers (for quick valve lash adj. & reuse) & use oil to lube the rubber to head before install.

lars

The purpose of the rubber gaskets is that they do not require sealant so you can remove the valve covers, adjust your valves, and install the covers without tearing up the gaskets. I install the rubber gaskets on all my solid-lifter engines so the car owner can adjust the valves without replacing the gaskets. I never use sealant on rubber gaskets - it's not needed. Besides, the sealant won't stick to the rubber anyway, so you just end up with a big mess if you seal them.

Chris O'

They stuck on mine? :confused:

Sting Raycin

No sealant on rubber gaskets.

Ryan77

Thanks for the replies, I'm willing to Lars' and Ganey's words for it that I only need the rubber gasket :yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod:

7T9Shark

Forget the gaskets - just apply a bead of bronze RTV around the perimeter of the covers and install, but do not torque in place until the stuff cures. I've never had a leak with that method. :thumbs:

MotorHead

If you are not planning on taking them off to adjust valves etc. just get the cork gaskets. I too think the rubber gaskets will stick after a some time.

I have used cork gaskets and RTV to the valve covers and a little oil on the head side and you can take the covers off and on just like the rubber ones for a fraction of the price.

They will stick if you are not removing the covers every now then just like the rubber ones.

Ryan77

I already have the set of rubber ones, so saving some money won't matter.

BB wowbagger

Has anyone tested the rubber gaskets with steel inserts?I belive that the insert is to prevent that the gasket to "move" out during torqing? :cheers:

7t2vette

I have been using steel-cored rubber valve cover gaskets for years on all my engines, and I have yet to have any stick. They are completely re-useable and last a long time. In fact some new cars come with them from the factory these days! You don't use any sealant with rubber gaskets, and your mating surfaces should be squeaky clean. One major reason for oil leaks is heavy-handed bolt tightening. The better rubber gaskets have built in torque limiters to prevent this.

Ryan77

The rubber ones I have are Fel-pro, and the I'll be using a torque wrench to tighten the valve covers exactly to their recommended 6-8ft/lbs :cheers:

dogboy

Stay away from the rubber gaskets. They would always leak on mine. I went with old fashioned cork with sealant and the leaks stopped. If you need to adjust valves often than rubber is the way to go . Just expect leaks.

Ryan77

I'll try the rubber first, then see if they leak, if they do, then I'll try a new method :cheers: