Valve Cover gasket sealer

[Bitsyncmaster]

I have developed a drivers side valve cover leak. My car has been sitting for 3 months or more and a drive today just showed this up. Both sides did have a little "weep" at the back corner but this is quite a larger leak, dripping onto the CAT so it smokes.

What has everbody found to be the best way to seal the valve cover gaskets?

[DMCMW Dave]

I have developed a drivers side valve cover leak. My car has been sitting for 3 months or more and a drive today just showed this up. Both sides did have a little "weep" at the back corner but this is quite a larger leak, dripping onto the CAT so it smokes.

What has everbody found to be the best way to seal the valve cover gaskets?

Permatex "the right stuff".

[Jeffu]

Permatex "the right stuff".

+1 Yep, great stuff

[Bitsyncmaster]

Permatex "the right stuff".

Do you apply it to the standard gasket?

[Jeffu]

Do you apply it to the standard gasket?

Yes, I did at least. On my rececent rebuild I applied a small amount on both sides of the gasket. I have 2,800 miles and no indications of any leaks or seeps on my valve covers.

[Josh]

I purchased valve cover gaskets but did not install them dry.

I first sanded down the mating surfaces lightly with a scotch brite pad. I then put a small bead of anaerobic sealant on both surfaces and smoothed it out with my finger.

The gasket and cover were then installed and all bolts torqued to 12NM

[r00b]

I cleaned the surfaces and used Hervey's thicker gaskets dry http://specialtauto.com/delorean-parts/engine.html.

[jawn101]

+1 on Right Stuff on the OEM (or OEM style, got them from Dave and Julee) gaskets. Seals up tight.

[DMC5180]

This brings up a question of when to use a sealant. Example: You just did a head gasket job which says you should re-torque the head bolts after a certain time period. So would you go with a NEW dry gasket for the short term then apply sealant on the second installation After Re-torque. Or just get 2 sets of rocker cover gaskets in anticipation of doing this. Just How good does this great stuff Stick? Nothing like having to chisel off OLD stuck on Gaskets. What about using RED High tack gasket sealer? The stuff in the spray can.

[jawn101]

This brings up a question of when to use a sealant. Example: You just did a head gasket job which says you should re-torque the head bolts after a certain time period. So would you go with a NEW dry gasket for the short term then apply sealant on the second installation After Re-torque. Or just get 2 sets of rocker cover gaskets in anticipation of doing this. Just How good does this great stuff Stick? Nothing like having to chisel off OLD stuck on Gaskets. What about using RED High tack gasket sealer? The stuff in the spray can.

Agreed that it will be a PITA to chisel off the right stuff from the heads and cover, but it does stay nice and pliable at least. Biggest concern I'd have would be chunks of gasket falling into the valve train. You're probably right that the high tack would work too, and that stuff just wipes off with acetone.