AGVI

Can I use RTV sealant with rubber valve cover gaskets?
I read it was a bad thing to do.
Aren't RTV sealants silicone based?
Won't they kill the rubber gasket?

Thanks, Les

mrvette

Normally not a problem, I use it to stick the gasket to the valve cover, putting a layer on both sides, as all gaskets are notorious for weeping....

GENE

lars

I run the rubber gaskets with no sealant, but it doesn't cause any materials compatibility problem to use the silicone. I've found that the rubber valve cover gaskets can succcessfully be used dry if your valve covers are not bent and proper torque is used.

Jim Martley2

The reason why RTV sealants aren't recommended for use with rubber gaskets is the tendancy for the gasket to "slide out" when the parts are bolted together due to the slipperyness (?) of the sealant before it sets up.

Paul L

I use Permatex gasket maker (modestly) to hold the gasket in place on the cover side. I do find RTV and rubber is a slippery combo. BTW my former 1979 L-82 did not have gaskets, only RTV!! That was the factory recommendation.

Karfever

I dont use RTV. Instead just use weather strip cement and glue the rubber gasket to the valve cover. Nothing else is nessesary, and you should be able to reuse the gasket a few times!