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Mon Sep 29, 2003 7:56 am

My 71 bust has just developed a leak at both valve covers. I was at a VW show this weekend when I noticed it. There were lots of experienced guys around discussing whether or not to use silicone to fix this problem.

So what's the verdict? Silicone or some orther method? Also when I try to repair this what other problems might I encounter?

Mon Sep 29, 2003 8:12 am

I like Gaskasinch, but Ihave heard grease works good also. Never tried that yet.

Mon Sep 29, 2003 10:05 am

Yeah the gaskacinch is the way to go, silicone just looks cheap and the possibility of getting silicone pieces sucked into the engine and clogging oil passages, I would rather not want to go through. Just use the gaskacinch on the side that goes on the valve cover, I always do that then leave the face of gasket dry that butts up to the cylinder head. When you push the bail up over the valve cover to hold it in place that upward motion tends to slide the cover up a bit. Get a screwdriver and at the top on both sides push it back down a little bit to where it will seat. Then start the engine and see if it leaks or stays dry! If it leaks play with it a little bit then you will see what works. Good luck anthony

Mon Sep 29, 2003 10:37 am

Grease should only be used to help slide the bail into the locking position. I used hylomar. Read this earlier post with my advice:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=51705&highlight=hylomar

Mon Sep 29, 2003 12:47 pm

There is no need for sealers on your heads. If you still have a leak after replacing the gaskets check your bales. They will get weak over time and should be replaced every so often as well.

Mon Sep 29, 2003 1:25 pm

If you think we type 2s have it tough, check out this post...

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/914_valve_covers/914_valve_covers.htm

Mon Sep 29, 2003 3:34 pm

crofty wrote: There is no need for sealers on your heads. If you still have a leak after replacing the gaskets check your bales. They will get weak over time and should be replaced every so often as well.
In an ideal world there would be no leaks between valve adjustments and gasket changes but it's just not the case. Anyone claiming they have no leaks is telling the truth although that may not be the case in two weeks. I'm not talking about road oilers, just the average amount of leaking that VWs owners seem to have to endure. I'm certainly not replacing the head if it's that's the problem. I'll just use a little sealer.

By the time you discover you need new bails or gaskets or valve covers you've made a mess already. The point of using a non-curing sealer on the gasket side is to extend the period between leaks because the gasket is a $1-2 perishable item that eventually bakes hard and fails.

Tue Sep 30, 2003 8:18 am

I must live in an ideal world as none of my VW's have ever had sealant on the head gaskets. I'm pretty sure there is no mention of it being needed in any VW or Bentley manual either.

I have replaced the bales once on my '65 that has 40k on the engine since rebuild. My '70 leaked a little when i bought it and after new bales and gaskets there has been no leak and that was over 6k miles ago and two valve adjustments.

I'm not sure the head has anything to do with your leaks as I can't imagine it distorting enough to not hold a seal correctly. If your "baking' your gaskets your leaks may have more to do with excessive head temps and too long between gasket replacements. The cork is cheap enough that you can (should IMHO) replace it everytime you do a valve adjustment (every 3k miles).

Tue Sep 30, 2003 12:54 pm

I want to live in an ideal world. A world free from crime , racism, war, hate and leaky valve covers. :lol:

Did I mention telemarketers?

Tue Sep 30, 2003 12:58 pm

Then get new bales, vw valve covers and new gaskets!