Valve Cover Installation C1

[Jimmy J.]

Should I use any sealer between the valve cover and the cork gasket? Thanks in advance. Jimmy

[John H.]

Re: Valve Cover Installation C1

I use a bead of Permatex "Ultra-Copper" RTV to glue the cork gaskets to the valve covers and let them sit overnight before installing them; make sure the seal plane on the covers is clean and dead flat first, especially at the bolt hole locations.

[kevin cascone]

Re: Valve Cover Installation C1

Is that with steel,and or Alluminum valve covers, and do you use any pressure during the over night set up. thanks

[Mark B.]

Re: Valve Cover Installation C1

Jimmy, I do exactly as Mr. Hinkley, and no, you do not need to use any pressure. I would set the covers in a gasket down position while they cure. I use the Permatex Red adhesive sealant only because that's what I have currently. When I install the covers on the block I sometimes smear a light coating of sealant on the cork gasket face to accomodate the rough edge on the heads where the valve cover sits. Not really necessary, but I've yet to have one leak on me.

[Terry F.]

Re: Valve Cover Installation C1

It works with either steel or aluminum covers. Clean the surface and smear a very thin coat of the permatex coper on the gasket and the cover. Let set for a minute or two to skin. Stick the gasket to the cover and place it face down on a flat surface. Make sure the gasket stays in place. You could put a phone book on top of it or something similar to smash it a bit. In the morning, carefully look for any excess sealant coming out from the sealing surface. If there is a blob somewhere, trim it with a razor blade. Sealant that squeezes out and falls off inside the engine is death to the engine. Make sure the steel cover is as flat as you can make it before you get started. Then do the same with the head surface and the valve cover. Tighten securely and let it sit a day or two. Worst thing to do is start the engine before it has dried. Make sure the screw holes are super clean and free of oil. That is also key to making things stick. Don't get that coper stuff or any RTV like stuff on the bolt threads because it will let them loosen up and problems start. You want the threads bone dry. If you do it like this or similarly, you should have good results. Good luck, Terry