valve cover gaskets

[geoffthepoolguy]

I have an annoying oil leak which appears to originate at the valve covers. Seems like this is common with 2.9 motors. I bought new gaskets and the autozone guy said to use permatex black. Any thoughts on using permatex on both sides of the gasket, or just one and if only one side does it matter which side? Any advice is truly appreciated.

 

[cocoasranger]

You might want to do a search for "replacing valve cover gaskets" since there was a great thread on this topic a while back.

When I did mine I used Permatex Ultra Black rtv silicone gasket maker and it turned out to be the best rtv product I have ever used.

This is the way I did it which turned out great. First, clean the mating surfaces of the heads and valve covers well. Then put a thin layer of rtv on the valve cover mating surface and place the gasket onto it. Put this assembly onto a flat surface and make sure the holes in the gasket and cover align. I stuck the hold down bolts through each hole to ensure alignment while the rtv set up. Put some weight on the assembly and let sit till set up (I let it set overnight).

When installing the cover coat the bottom of the gasket with rtv. Make sure you use the proper spreader washer for each hole and the proper torque to tighten them.

The reason I took the extra time and effort was to eliminate the possibility of the gaskets slipping around as they are installed resulting in leaks. This is a real possibility if you simply slap them on with uncured rtv since the gaskets have some stretch to them and the mating surfaces are not exact matches. Once you try it the fast way you will see what I'm talking about.

 

[Psychopete]

I think the big thing about them not leaking is the actual condition of the mating surfaces and the straitness of the edge of the valve cover. When over tightened, they tend to get distorted. I ALWAYS snug up the valve cover bolts, get the engine warm, then tighten to spec. The only place I would recommend sealant is where the lower intake and head meet, and that would be a very small amount at that.

Just like a trans pan, gaskets are usually cork, if you install properly, it will not leak. Using sealant there probably wouldn't be such a great idea.

Even a 327 I had with cork gaskets and new cheap edelbrock chrome valve covers didn't leak with their "4 bolt approach." I've used all types of gaskets with good results when used with known good valve covers. The good thing about rubber ones is that you can sometimes reuse them, but if it leaks then you gotta do it again.

Pete

 

[geoffthepoolguy]

valve cover gaskets cont'd...

Thanks for the response. Any idea what the torque spec for the cover bolts is supposed to be

 

[Psychopete]

Thanks for the response. Any idea what the torque spec for the cover bolts is supposed to be

I can't find the exact figure now, but it wasn't much. Like 8-10ft. lbs.

Pete