How to install valve covers - sealant or none

[IT Cowboy]

Installing new valve covers...

Should I use gaskets and attach them to the covers first using sealant

use no sealant and just a gasket

use sealant only

I have heard of using the FIPG 103 alone with good results but I dont want any excess to break off inside the cover and cause issues.

[Rust_never_sleeps]

There will be dozens of opinions on this. I used VersaChem #2 to stick/seal the cork gasket to the covers and went clean and dry on the head side. So far it's working fine

I've become a big fan of the blue silicone Fel-Pro type gaskets, but cork is what came in the gasket set at the time

[LS short box]

I use some 3M glue and glue the gasket to the under side of the valve cover and some sealant like "Form a gasket" to bottom of the seal.
But if you using sheet metal valve covers make sure you flatten out rail on the valve cover. Special attension around the bolt holes as they are typically over torqued.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I installed Moroso #93040. They're nice and thick, have done the trick, and the original hardware still works. I mention that because you can't use OEM bolts (screws) with real good (thick) pan gaskets, they need another 1/8". I installed black ARP bolts. Sure I prefer OEM hardware > "replacement", but ARP are superior bolts when you need them.

Finger tight with a nut driver on the valve covers☺, ensure the cover's flanges are flat and square, the heads don't lie.

[Luke87gt]

I use Felpro gaskets, never any messy glue/sealant that needs to later be scraped

Torque to spec, never a problem

I’ve been reading this debate for two decades since I’ve started working on cars and struggle to understand why this is such a common debate… maybe because people routinely overtighten and compromise the gaskets. It only takes something like 15lb-ft

[68 C10 Driver]

I usually use something like Indian Head Gasket compound on the valve cover side of the cork gasket, then nothing on the head side, always worked for me. Do not over torque the screws as it will deform the valve cover.

[PbFut]

When I used cork, I would smear small amount of bearing grease on the cork. It helped release it next time I removed. The blue Felpro rubber/silicone or whatever it is, works really good for me. They stay in place/shape well for install and seal better than anything else I've used. They are a few more bucks but worth it in my opinion.

[57taskforce]

Felpro perma dry seals (they are made of silicone) ,reusable, no goop, proper torque, no leaks. Been successful many many times with this combination.

[MikeB]

I like Fel Pro cork/rubber gaskets, 5/16" thick, I think. I glue them to the valve covers and can remove & replace the covers and not have to change the gaskets.

For stamped steel covers, use some load spreaders and don't over-torque.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-es72676

[68panelman]

Felpro rubber/cork here too. I also spray them with permatex Hi-tac, (don't even know if it's still available) first to keep from moving around before seating the covers

[custom10nut]

As others have stated, there are many opinions on how to do this “the right way”.
I’ll just tell you how I do it.
I start with a clean surface on the Valve covers.
Apply a thin coat of RTV (Black) to the cover, then put the gasket in place.
I tape the gasket in place in six or eight points around the perimeter of the cover.
Then I let it cure till the next day.
The RTV holds the gasket in place until you get the cover cinched down.
This works for me, as I don’t have an issue with any of my VCs (Steel or aluminum cast) leaking.

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

felpro perma dry seals (they are made of silicone) ,reusable, no goop, proper torque, no leaks. Been successful many many times with this combination.

x2