Current thinking on S/B/C Valve Cover Sealant (RTV)

[Edward J.]

Re: Current thinking on S/B/C Valve Cover Sealent(RTV)

Larry, the dispenser can be reused what to do is leave a little excess over the top of the nozzle, you can pull the dried up excess up through the nozzle or use a pocket screw driver to remove. the expense of a can is nothing compared to what happens when you have to redo a leak. they will age in the can if not used over a period of time and can likely set up inside can id air gets to it.

[Larry E.]

Re: Current thinking on S/B/C Valve Cover Sealent(RTV)

Thanks Again to all. Went to the local O'Reilly Auto Parts store. Got the tube of the Right Stuff that Gary B. suggested. Will try it.
The price was $12.99. The product also came with an extra nozzle. Larry

[Edward D.]

Re: Current thinking on S/B/C Valve Cover Sealent(RTV)

May be a little late to weigh in on this, but I always use Permatex "High Tack" gasket sealant to glue the gasket to the valve cover. Its a thin brush on (can comes with a brush in cap). Simply light coat the clean valve cover surface, place cork gasket, and allow a few minutes to setup. No sealant at all required on bottom of gasket to head. You will be able to remove valve cover multiple times without replacing gasket which is adhered to cover. I do use "Right Stuff" for other applications, but it is a very thick quick set gasket maker, not sure about using it as a gasket adhesive. Don't see any reason to use it where you only want an adhesive/sealant.

[Larry E.]

Re: Current thinking on S/B/C Valve Cover Sealent(RTV)

May be a little late to weigh in on this, but I always use Permatex "High Tack" gasket sealant to glue the gasket to the valve cover. Its a thin brush on (can comes with a brush in cap). Simply light coat the clean valve cover surface, place cork gasket, and allow a few minutes to setup. No sealant at all required on bottom of gasket to head. You will be able to remove valve cover multiple times without replacing gasket which is adhered to cover. I do use "Right Stuff" for other applications, but it is a very thick quick set gasket maker, not sure about using it as a gasket adhesive. Don't see any reason to use it where you only want an adhesive/sealant.

Thanks Ed for the input. Will p/u this also. Larry

[James G.]

Re: Current thinking on S/B/C Valve Cover Sealent(RTV)

Also make sure to tap the holes back flush using a dolly and small hammer... this is the largest issue I have found when people complain of tin covers leaking. When they begin to leak people muscle the screws down and deform the area around the hole... then even with new gaskets the clearance becomes too close at the bolt location for the rest of the cover to pull down evenly.

With the aluminum covers I have since the 80's always glued the cork gaskets into the covers with brown gasket cement - put the covers face to face and bolt together for a few hours -- . when installing wipe the area which seals to the head with a little axle grease(aids in release later and allows the gasket to mold onto the lip without tearing.) Then cinch down evenly, it doesn't take 35 ft lbs. - maybe half a turn after contact