killain

What is GOOD long lasting valve cover gaskets that are almost hidden.

mrvette

The answer depends on your heads and valvecovers....

is you have iron heads, you need clean out all the oil that is not drained from the valve area, and then clean the entire area very very very clean with carb cleaner, where the gasket sits and all around it....
then use RTV black sensor safe sealant around the rim, and if the covers are stamped steel just clean them the same way...absolutely freaking sanitary...
and use no gasket, just sealant....

if you have aluminum covers..use a thin gasket, mostly cork is available...but slather with RTV again....

if aluminum heads and aluminum covers...use whatever gasket you can, preferable neoprene, but if not...still use RTV on both sides and seal it down....

IN ALL CASES it must be completely sanitary of oil and grime....

GENE

OLD YELLER

Just a tip: be careful when not using a gasket. It is easy to bottom out the bolts and break the bolt head off. Try one of the valve cover bolts by itself to check the length. :smash:

killain

OK, How wide a bead and how thick? and how long do you let it set up before you put it on? Do you coat the bolts too?

SteveG75

Mr. Gaskets Ultra's

They are a cork gasket with a non-stick coating. They seal very nice (cork swells on contact with hot oil) and the nonstick coating means that I can take the covers on and off with ease for adjustments.

What causes 99% of leaks with stock covers is overtightening which leads to distortion. RTV will seal (after you let it sit a day to cure) but getting the cover off again will be a PITA. I have aluminum heads and billet aluminum covers. The aluminum covers distribute the load more evenly. I also use ARP studs which make putting the gasket on very easy.

Step 1: Put gasket over studs.
Step 2: Put valve cover on.
Step 3: Handtighten in cross sequence. And I do mean "hand" tighten. My rachet handle is about 8" long and I am holding it very close to where the socket attaches.
Step 4: Run engine and then retighten after gaskets take a set.

I have no valve cover leaks and they are still easily removable.

killain

Thanks Steve, that's sound better ! :yesnod:

PatG

I just use the felpro cork gaskets on my iron heads. They seem to work fine.