C - 1 valve Cover Gasket Question

[Jimmy J.]

I know to seal the valve cover gasket to the valve cover but should any sealer be used between the valve cover gasket and the head? Thanks, Jimmy

[Dave Suesz]

Well, I

do, because the seal rides against a plain cast lip.

[Don Y.]

Re: C - 1 valve Cover Gasket Question

Jimmy,
I have always found the valve cover gaskets seem to work well when I would cement the gasket to the cover with a contact cement (we always used a green adhesive from Catepillar) and nothing on the cylinder head side except a clean dry seating surface. On my cars with solid lifters thet required periodic cover removal this made the job go smoothly and allowed the use of the same gasket several times without any leak problems.
Don Yesacavage

[David B.]

Re: C - 1 valve Cover Gasket Question

Jimmy,

I do similar to Don, except that I use PermaGasket sealer to attach to the valve cover, and, nothing applied to the head side. No leaks and easy access if needed.

Dave

[Jim K.]

Re: C - 1 valve Cover Gasket Question

I have to chime in with the same info but add that I have a broken aluminum valve cover that I cut the middle out of and permatexed a gasket to, and use this for valve adjustments, no splash, no mess, no fuss...

[Duke W.]

Re: C - 1 valve Cover Gasket Question

I agree. Use a good gasket cement to attach the gasket to the valve cover. Wipe down the bottom side of the gasket with silicone spray lubricant. This will prevent the gasket from sticking to the head and allow it to be removed and replaced a few times before a new gasket is required, which is real convenient with mechanical lifters.

Keep a spare gasket set handy for the time when you do need new gaskets.

Duke

[Jimmy J.]

Thanks to all of you that responded. *NM*