TheSamba.com :: View topic - valve cover gasket ---------SEALER?or NO gasket SEALER?

Tue Dec 23, 2008 4:23 pm

newBieSPOV here...
I am asking if I should use some kind of gasket sealer when installing a new set of Valve Cover Gaskets? it kind of holds the gasket in place when installing...i like that

I have purchase a new pair of gaskets...they appear to be made of cork, not rubber.

so is it ok to put sealer on these things....like a blue silicone or that burnt-orange looking stuff? or do i just go plain-jane zero gasket sealer?

Tue Dec 23, 2008 4:26 pm

No silicone... EVER.

Use some Permatex Aviation.

Tue Dec 23, 2008 4:57 pm

I like to use the brush on brown stuff from Permatex. It's called "Aviation Sealant".

Rick Higgins does this also in the BugMe Video #1.

Here is a link to the Permatex website: http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/automo...lant_a.htm

Tue Dec 23, 2008 4:58 pm

I don't use any sealant and mine don't leak.

Stock valve covers, good quality cork gaskets, no oil on the sealing surfaces when you reassemble them.

Works for me.

Tue Dec 23, 2008 6:56 pm

I don't use anything either and have no issues with leaks.
David

Tue Dec 23, 2008 7:29 pm

I tried going "comando" gasket woth no sealer...not working with my aftermarket covers? I figured I'd try the aircraft sealant...how long should i let permatex aircraft cure? it does not say on my bottle...will i be ok driving tomorrow morning?

Tue Dec 23, 2008 7:43 pm

Just brush some on the valve cover and then drop in the new gasket. You can put some sealer on the side of the gasket that will be against the head but I have not found that to be necessary. You can run the engine and drive moments after you re-install the cover.

Tue Dec 23, 2008 9:50 pm

I welded two tabs on the bottom of my valve covers after I had a gasket slip, never used any sealer.

Wed Dec 24, 2008 8:27 am

high temp permatex works for me. only put it on the valve cover side, not the head side. a think coat should do it. don't use the rubber gaskets stick with the cork, they are much much better. and don't put bolt on vavle covers on either.

Wed Dec 24, 2008 8:33 am

sry to change the topic a little, but I use cork/neoprene gaskets on mine are these fine? I have no leaks so far so I like them all right, but are the 100% cork ones better?

Thanks,
Tad Murphy

Wed Dec 24, 2008 8:49 am

homeworld8118 wrote: sry to change the topic a little, but I use cork/neoprene gaskets on mine are these fine? I have no leaks so far so I like them all right, but are the 100% cork ones better?

Thanks,
Tad Murphy

i've never had a problem with the cork. but i do know for a fact that the rubber ones SUCK!!!!!

Wed Dec 24, 2008 9:45 am

SPOV wrote: ...not working with my aftermarket covers?

Sounds like you know what your problem is. I use the cork gaskets and give them a light coat of bearing grease on each side before installation. I don't have leaks from my valve covers on my bug or bus.

Wed Dec 24, 2008 10:24 am

theadmiral1000 wrote: I don't use any sealant and mine don't leak.

Stock valve covers, good quality cork gaskets, no oil on the sealing surfaces when you reassemble them.

Works for me.

Ditto for me.

Wed Dec 24, 2008 10:43 am

oh, what i do like to do also is smear a very thin layer of high temp grease between the seal and the head.

Wed Dec 24, 2008 1:59 pm

I have used em all and this is what I have found:

Rubber = GARBAGE

Aftermatket valve covers = GARBAGE

Cork (no neoprene) = Good stuff, that is why VW used em. Never had a leak wth them.
Cork w/ neoprene = currently running after getting the wrong ones at the parts house. No problems so far, I use axel grease on them, light coat both sides and no problem, makes it easy to remove. I reuse them for a while if there is no pits or tears on them.

Aviation gasket sealer = I have used once, getting the old seal out can be a bear, have to clean the cover well but over all no leaks.

In conclusion, I think I am gonna stick with the neoprene and cork gaskets (mainly cause I have about 10 sets lying around) with a light coat of grease. 12,000K miles and no leaks thus far.
Just my $0.02

Thu Dec 25, 2008 3:03 am

Paul D wrote: SPOV wrote: ...not working with my aftermarket covers?

Sounds like you know what your problem is. I use the cork gaskets and give them a light coat of bearing grease on each side before installation. I don't have leaks from my valve covers on my bug or bus.

Same here..done it several times without problem, plus it has the added benefit of the gaskets staying in place while you reassemble the valve cover.

Thu Dec 25, 2008 5:16 am

I was shown the following from a respected mate in the VW business and am happy with it:

Aviation sealant on the stock (good condition and cleaned up) valve covers and a light smear of hi temp bearing grease on the head side of the gasket (cork).

Dont have leaks with this and can reuse the gaskets several times (valve clearance jobs)

Thu Dec 25, 2008 6:22 am

I have aftermarket valve covers with cork gaskets. No leaks.

Thu Dec 25, 2008 9:58 am

i got up and santa gave me a present this morning...he gave me a good view of the leak....I found out that my bale/valve cover "holder-on-er" thingee was not lining up with the grooves on the aftermarket cover...anyway it allowed the cover to fit loosely, so I will shim it tight with a big bolt untill I can order a matching set of covers with new springy bales that are not worn out...

Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:53 pm

I used the rubber gaskets from FelPro - VS 26062 R.
Went to several auto parts stores and this was the only thing anyone had.
One leaks and the other doesn't. A light coating of Permatex gasket sealer on the valve cover side.
I think it could be that I didn't quite get all of the old blue silicone off the head.
The last person who did this went insane with that stuff. Took a long time to scrape it all off. :evil:
On the leaky one, the retaining clip didn't seem to clip on as tight as it was when taking it off. I couldn't see any reason for that.