valve cover gaskets dry or not? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dhamilton62 · 10-15-2014, 10:49 AM

Do you guys use any RTV or other silicon for valve covers I've always thought to use rubber ones on cast covers and keep both sides dry on install, but some people say to use some RTV on the cover to gasket side only. Any thoughts or recommendations?

morethanstock66 · 10-15-2014, 12:40 PM

I've used rubber gaskets. If you are going to use RTV with it, I would only use it as a place holder for the gasket. I wouldn't use both for the full length of the mating surface. I have also used Permetex Ultra Black instead of a dry gasket. It's a pick your poison thing. Dry gaskets come off easier, but I think Ultra Black seals better. Just my .02

61_FL_Apache · 10-15-2014, 07:12 PM

When I have used cork, I use a little rtv on the valve cover side.. With rubber, I don't use anything.

62 Barnfind · 10-15-2014, 08:33 PM

With a cork gasket you can install it dry and it will work well. I use gasket sealer instead of RTV because it fills in the imperfections and helps with the seal. I also have used copper coat. I never use RTV with gaskets.

dfrank · 10-15-2014, 08:36 PM

I use the fel pro gaskets with the steel core and put them on dry. Never had a problem with leaking with fel pro. If it leaks put a fel pro in!

HemiChallenger71 · 10-15-2014, 08:48 PM

With my SBC valve covers I put indian head gasket shellac compound lightly on the valve cover side. That way the gasket sticks to the cover and stays put and I re-use them. Havent purchased a set in 5 years. I did install my 1 piece fel pro pan gasket dry except in the corners near the front and rear mains seals.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62 Barnfind

I never use RTV with gaskets.

I thinly coat gaskets with black or grey RTV for water pumps and anywhere coolant comes into contact with a gasket surface. By thinly I mean you can still see the gasket and I wipe it evenly with my thumb and fore finger. Just insurance. Probably not necessary.

jtrichard · 10-15-2014, 09:25 PM

the best thing on water pump and "T" stat gaskets and the bolt threads is light wheel bearing or just right out of the grease gun... grease

**1971 GMC SHORTY** · 10-15-2014, 11:27 PM

When I Worked For GM I Used Spray Adhesive On Gasket To Sheet Metal And Let Gasket Seal To Block or Head Surface, I Had 100% CSI never Had Rechecks

10-15-2014, 10:49 AM	#1
dhamilton62 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Oakland, Ca. Posts: 66	valve cover gaskets dry or not? Do you guys use any RTV or other silicon for valve covers I've always thought to use rubber ones on cast covers and keep both sides dry on install, but some people say to use some RTV on the cover to gasket side only. Any thoughts or recommendations?

10-15-2014, 12:40 PM	#2
morethanstock66 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: College Station, TX Posts: 213	Re: valve cover gaskets dry or not? I've used rubber gaskets. If you are going to use RTV with it, I would only use it as a place holder for the gasket. I wouldn't use both for the full length of the mating surface. I have also used Permetex Ultra Black instead of a dry gasket. It's a pick your poison thing. Dry gaskets come off easier, but I think Ultra Black seals better. Just my .02 __________________ 63 SWB Stepside --Current Project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=836390 66 SWB Fleetside (Stacy) 350ci/Th400 --Gone http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...45#post6595745 67 LWB Fleetside (Annabel)350ci/SM420. 7 Year Restoration --R.I.P. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=633867

10-15-2014, 07:12 PM	#3
61_FL_Apache Who Me? Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Royal Palm Beach, FL Posts: 4,067	Re: valve cover gaskets dry or not? When I have used cork, I use a little rtv on the valve cover side.. With rubber, I don't use anything. __________________ Steve 1997 Tahoe LT 4D 2WD (DD) 2001 Blazer 4D 2WD 1961 Apache 10 (sold) 1965 C10 Stepper (sold)

10-15-2014, 08:33 PM	#4
62 Barnfind Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Salado, Tx Posts: 1,375	Re: valve cover gaskets dry or not? With a cork gasket you can install it dry and it will work well. I use gasket sealer instead of RTV because it fills in the imperfections and helps with the seal. I also have used copper coat. I never use RTV with gaskets. __________________ John Z 1962 Chevy C10 Stepside 62 Barnfind My build tread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=507513

10-15-2014, 08:36 PM	#5
dfrank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 627	Re: valve cover gaskets dry or not? I use the fel pro gaskets with the steel core and put them on dry. Never had a problem with leaking with fel pro. If it leaks put a fel pro in!

10-15-2014, 09:25 PM	#7
jtrichard Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: joshua tree ca. Posts: 1,484	Re: valve cover gaskets dry or not? the best thing on water pump and "T" stat gaskets and the bolt threads is light wheel bearing or just right out of the grease gun... grease

10-15-2014, 11:27 PM	#8
1971 GMC SHORTY Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: SAN FERNANDO VALLE SOL CAL Posts: 1,064	Re: valve cover gaskets dry or not? When I Worked For GM I Used Spray Adhesive On Gasket To Sheet Metal And Let Gasket Seal To Block or Head Surface, I Had 100% CSI never Had Rechecks __________________ 1966 GMC K25 V6 351E Original Utility Truck 2000 C3500 Hot Rod Utility Truck 2003 ROAD KING 100th 124ci 6 Speed 145CI M/P Pro Street FXR 2002 FXDP 2007 2500HD DURAMAX. DD Studio Teamsters / Mechanic Retired GM Master Tech 20 Years Retired Ford Tech 15 Years



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