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Sun Feb 17, 2013 6:29 pm

So who makes the best valve cover gaskets? Who carries them? Also do any of you prefer one exhaust gasket (Head side) maker over another? Who carries this brand as well. I didn't have the best of luck with the kit I bought for my engine build. :?

Sun Feb 17, 2013 7:08 pm

Buy these from AC.Net. John does not sell junk.
http://vwparts.aircooled.net/Valve-Cover-Gasket-T1-2-3-Pack-of-10-p/113-101-481f-10.htm

You can search his site for other individule gaskets. The Elring kit is the best engine gasket kit out there.

Sun Feb 17, 2013 7:23 pm

Yep, have used the ones ACN sells and they are the original style. "Glue" them to the cover with a bit of permatex and leave overnight to set if you can - stops them "shuffling" out of place and they'll seal for ages.

Sun Feb 17, 2013 7:23 pm

I use cork gaskets from the local store.. never a problem.

Sun Feb 17, 2013 7:42 pm

DarthWeber wrote: Buy these from AC.Net. John does not sell junk.
http://vwparts.aircooled.net/Valve-Cover-Gasket-T1-2-3-Pack-of-10-p/113-101-481f-10.htm

You can search his site for other individule gaskets. The Elring kit is the best engine gasket kit out there.

X2, glue them to the valve cover

Sun Feb 17, 2013 7:59 pm

I use Elring whenever possible. If I can't find them I will buy a sheet of cork and cut some out. I once purchased some Fel-Pro's because my valve cover was pissing out oil on the 3/4 side. I was away from home, and figured they should get me back... I was wrong!

Sun Feb 17, 2013 8:03 pm

I've nevet had a reason to glue them unless motor had a tendency to suck them in.

Sun Feb 17, 2013 8:10 pm

Right on, I will give them a shot. I have had no fun with the ones I have now. I thought they were from ACN, but I could be wrong.

Sun Feb 17, 2013 8:16 pm

I use cork gaskets and no glue. I do smear wheel packing grease on the valve cover side to hold in place until I snap them tight. Never a leak and never a problem. I remove every 2K miles for valve adjustment check and use the same gaskets 4-5 times. I order the cork fron CarQuest auto parts.
Marvin

Sun Feb 17, 2013 8:25 pm

I use German OEM VW cork gaskets from CB Performance. I glue them to the cover with Permatex Aviation and dry against the head.

http://www.cbperformance.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=113-101-481f

Mon Feb 18, 2013 8:01 am

Any available cork gasket, and I like SCAT valve covers with metal tabs internally to keep gasket from migrating....

Dale

Mon Feb 18, 2013 8:37 am

At the very least, gluing the gasket to the cover insures that you don't have one sag and come misaligned when you clip the cover on, or slip loose and fall into the dirt when you pull the cover off. The cork tabs do not always keep the gasket in place.

Mon Feb 18, 2013 8:56 am

Glenn wrote: I use cork gaskets from the local store.. never a problem.

Same

Mon Feb 18, 2013 10:39 am

Please, don't glue your gaskets in! It makes a real mess for others to clean up!!!

Use some wheel bearing grease to hold the gasket in position. It also will seal it up, the engine oil won't push past the grease, and it allows the cover to pop off easy in the future when someone else has to take it off.

I started using the SABO brand cork gaskets from Brazil and so far so good.

Before that I used Victor Reinz but they started comming one gasket per package, and the package is this huge piece of cardboard; I quit ordering those ones.

Mon Feb 18, 2013 12:01 pm

I purchase a set of these and really happy sofar. Did not use any glue, just made sure everything was clean and the valve covers were nice and straight. Have around 1500 miles and no leaks, and i use synthetic oil.

http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/DetailsList.cfm?ID=113101481FSI

Mon Feb 18, 2013 12:15 pm

I use cork gaskets glued with 3M Monkey Snot to the valve cover, no need to wait over night and they won't get sucked in. No problem cleaning them up with a hand scaper to change. Hey but I can turn this motor 6500-7000 and don't want one slipping around on the deep Empi ( GASP) valve covers that don't leak.

Mon Feb 18, 2013 6:24 pm

Ian wrote: Please, don't glue your gaskets in! It makes a real mess for others to clean up!!!

Others? Feh.

Mon Feb 18, 2013 6:37 pm

This is a really good question and you can tell something about your local shop supplier if they carry the dark thick cork ones it means they care about their customers. I cement mine to the cover using high temp Silicone RTV Gasket Seal but not to the head. Install covers on the engine then wait at least over night before starting the engine. As far as head intake and exhaust gaskets some are much better. I had to use the cheep ones last time but they did work fine, they just can't be re-used if you have to take something apart again before your done.
Thanks Marty at 2nd Street Foreign Car in Coos Bay OR for having the right Valve Cover Gaskets!

Mon Feb 18, 2013 6:39 pm

madmack wrote: I purchase a set of these and really happy sofar. Did not use any glue, just made sure everything was clean and the valve covers were nice and straight. Have around 1500 miles and no leaks, and i use synthetic oil.

http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/DetailsList.cfm?ID=113101481FSI

I have wondered about the silacone gaskets. I may have to give them a try.

Mon Feb 18, 2013 7:50 pm

hill wrote: Ian wrote: Please, don't glue your gaskets in! It makes a real mess for others to clean up!!!

Others? Feh.

Glue to valve cover only ... Never head.... Carb cleaner usually will release "glue"...

Dale