21 replies to this topic

[dklawson]

I have posted the method below previously. It works well. Please take the time to read it through. Succinctly, the method below addresses components that are warped and creates flat sealing surfaces that prevent leaks AND gives you a valve cover that can be removed and installed multiple times.

 

• Remove the valve cover and scrape off all the old gasket. Thoroughly clean and degrease the area on the valve cover where the gasket sits.
• Use a razor blade to remove all traces of old gasket from the cylinder head. Leave no debris behind on the flat surface where the gasket sits.
• Smear a thin film of grease over the top surface of the cylinder head where the valve cover will sit.
• Place the NEW valve cover gasket on the grease applied to the cylinder head.
• Push the gasket down into the layer of grease making sure that you go all around so the gasket is flat and touching the head all the way around. Do NOT get grease on the top surface of the gasket as you do this.
• Apply a layer of RTV silicone sealant to the track on the valve cover where the gasket will sit. Use a bead about 1/16" to 1/8" in diameter.
• Nudge the gasket around to get it in the proper position as you slowly lower the valve cover into place so the RTV contacts the top of the gasket.
• Put the valve cover retainers in place and tighten them finger tight.
• Go away for 4 to 6 hours. Over night is better. Give the RTV time to cure.
• The next day, tighten the cover retainers properly. You are done.

 

The grease holds the gasket firmly and flatly to the cylinder head. The RTV fills the voids (and provides a seal) between a distorted (not flat) valve cover sealing surface. The grease is also a release agent that will let you easily lift the valve cover off later. This works well on the cork gaskets and even better on silicone rubber gaskets. Once you have taken the time to do this very low torque is needed on the valve cover retainers to hold the cover in place without leaking.

[leeuk]

I found my cork gasket also leaked so I changed it for a rubber one that purchased from ebay,

 

A bit more pricey but I have no more oil leaks since making the change.

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item19ec0120ec

[dood]

I found my cork gasket also leaked so I changed it for a rubber one that purchased from ebay,

 

A bit more pricey but I have no more oil leaks since making the change.

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item19ec0120ec

 

That's interesting, does the rubber gasket fit differently to a cork one, for example, does it need sealant like RTV or Hylomar?

[leeuk]

 

I found my cork gasket also leaked so I changed it for a rubber one that purchased from ebay,

 

A bit more pricey but I have no more oil leaks since making the change.

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item19ec0120ec

 

That's interesting, does the rubber gasket fit differently to a cork one, for example, does it need sealant like RTV or Hylomar?

 

I didn't use any sealant at all mate, Just kept it lined it up as I tightened the rocker cover down

[dood]

 

 

I found my cork gasket also leaked so I changed it for a rubber one that purchased from ebay,

 

A bit more pricey but I have no more oil leaks since making the change.

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item19ec0120ec

 

That's interesting, does the rubber gasket fit differently to a cork one, for example, does it need sealant like RTV or Hylomar?

 

I didn't use any sealant at all mate, Just kept it lined it up as I tightened the rocker cover down

 

cool, thanks for your help man, I'm going to give that a go if my new cork one doesn't work for me when it gets here.

[maccers]

As above I used a silicone one, bonded to the rocker cover with copper colour high temp sealer only, and its perfect. I went through a few cork ones and they all leaked. The excess pressure is probably now leaking out some place else, hopefully lower down...!

[dood]

Hi guys, thanks very much for all your help, I gave the corker a try as it was already in the mail when I'd been recommended the rubber gasket. And, I'm pleased to say it has finally sealed! woohoo!

I used the RTV instead of the Hylomar Blue that I used first time around and I think it made a big difference. The hylomar really didn't work at all for this one!

Gave it 24 hours (bit longer actually) just to be extra sure it had cured properly etc, as I really didn't want to do it a 3rd time if I could help it.

I didn't tighten the bolts as much as before either :)

Looks great with the new paint, but broke one of the little white distributor shield clips,

So new ones in the post, but for anyone else getting replacements, the black repro ones (the arrowhead shaped bit) don't match the original white retaining clips, slightly different sizes to each other and don't fit on mine. Best to get a matching set!

 

 

was all happy so took him out a wee run this morning by a couple of lochs and a forest etc, was brilliant when the showers went away.

thanks again people!