Oil Seepage Valve Cover Bolts

[Mike M.]

I have a little oil showing on one of the valve cover bolts. What type of gasket sealer is best to use. I used a permatex high temp. Its only one bolt so I'm assuming I didn't get enough sealer on the gasket. Also should the threads on the valve cover bolts have some permatex sealer on them also.
Thanks Mike

[Joe C.]

Re: Oil Seepage Valve Cover Bolts

Those are all blind holes. If there is a lot of oil in them, then it will push out when the engine warms, and the oil expands. Get the oil out with cotton swabs, like Q-tips. Thread sealant is not necessary, and won't be fully effective anyway, unless the thread surfaces are completely clean.

[John H.]

Re: Oil Seepage Valve Cover Bolts

I've always used a thin bead of Permatex "Ultra-Copper" all the way around the valve cover seal flange, and made a "ring" of the bead fully around each bolt hole, then applied the gasket to the valve cover and let them sit overnight; install them the next day, have never had any of them leak a drop from anywhere. Have done it this way for many years on many cars with both aluminum and steel valve covers.

[Mike M.]

Thanks John & Joe *NM*