RTV Valve cover gaskets?

[paxton350]

ok ive just replaced my valve cover gaskets for like the 3rd time... they keep getting warped and oil keeps dripping out and is such a pain... can i just run a nice bead of RTV around it and then tighten her down? its a 94 lt1 with aftermarket valve covers (polished aluminum)

-chris

[Joe 1320]

ok ive just replaced my valve cover gaskets for like the 3rd time... they keep getting warped and oil keeps dripping out and is such a pain... can i just run a nice bead of RTV around it and then tighten her down? its a 94 lt1 with aftermarket valve covers (polished aluminum)

-chris

What is warping them? Overtightening, heat or a warped surface?

I always run a thin layer of silicone on the valve cover and add the gasket. Let it cure and then you can gently torque them down. I never get any leaks.

[paxton350]

i dont know it seems like theyre always too short and i have to strecth them... like their v6 cover gaskets but not... its only on the drivers side head too... im going to try a thick bead of rtv and let it cure see what happens...

[dochidalgo]

Permatex Ultra Copper Maximum Temperature RTV Silicone Gasket Maker
OEM specified. Highest operating temperatures for 4-cylinder, turbocharged or high-performance engines. The most advanced, high temp RTV silicone gasket available. Sensor-safe, low odor, noncorrosive. Superior adhesion. Three times more oil resistant than conventional silicones; eight times more flexible than cut gaskets. Temperature range -75°F to 700°F (-59°C to 371°C) intermittent; resists auto and shop fluids and vibration.

Suggested Applications: Exhaust manifolds/ headers, valve covers, oil pans, timing covers, water pumps, thermostat housings


The best, just let it cure (12 hours minimum), as Joe says...
regards
dochidalgo

[fastTa]

What kind of gasket are you using and where did you get the valve covers from?

If the thick rubber OEM gaskets are not sealing, the valve cover is not true.

There are tons of cheaply made polished aluminum valve covers out there that are not true and seat to the head very poorly.

[badz409]

If the sealant is really the prob. dochidalgo told you right on the sealant. To ensure a good bond I clean head and VC with brake cleaner spray, wipe dry, put a good bead of ultracopper on VC and wait, takes about 5 to 6 Coors to get good surface drying, get 2 bolts with no head long enough to protrude about 1in. above VC screw in head 1 on ea. end carefully install VC screw 2 other VC bolts in finger tight then swap the guide bolts for the other 2 VC bolts. Lightly tighten the bolts starting with middle ones, only snug enough to ensure VC is fully contacting head, nut driver handle is what you need to do this. Send someone to store for more Coors, next morning "lightly" snug bolts again do NOT overtighten, if VC is not warped it shouldn't leak. I hate to be so elementary, but after reading some articles in here it seems though [some but not all through no fault of their own haven't had the guidance and experience they need] I try to share what little I know with any one. Camaro409