Valve cover gaskets....UPDATED...more leaking!

[richierich]

Hi all. I'm having the common problem of oil leaks from valve covers and the gasket dropping off the lip on the top section. I would like to use stock style covers where i could weld a small tab but i have high lift rockers so am stuck with the bolt up items. I have searched the subject and see that people glue the gaskets to the cover - my question is, can I use Hylomar Blue for this or should I use Permatex? If Permatex, which type as i will have to order it off Ebay. Thanks.

[Bama Dave]

My two cents: I use a thin layer of RTV to glue the seals to the valve covers themselves...to keep them in place. I use nothing whatsoever where the head touches the gasket. I have zero leaks. Now, the gaskets will need to be changed out at certain points, based on their age, how many times you remove the valve covers, etc. Mine have been on/off over a dozen times and I still have no leaks. I use the stock covers.

Dave
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David Richerson

1970 Beetle
1971 Super
1972 Baja

[kevinhosp]

Permtex gasket eleminator with no gasket. Works great but covers are hard to take off

[richierich]

Thanks guys. Can I basically use any 'non-hardening' gasket sealer then?

[Bama Dave]

I use the cork gaskets.
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David Richerson

1970 Beetle
1971 Super
1972 Baja

[mondshine]

Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2011 12:05 pm
(from an old post)

I've always used Gaskasinch gasket sealer between my valve covers and the gaskets. It does a good job of holding the gaskets in place, preventing them from creeping inward.
Sometimes, the gaskets need a little stretching to tightly conform to the shape of the outer lip of the valve cover.
A couple of years ago, I built a form from scrap plywood to hold the gasket in the right shape while it is installed. I took some photos of it today:

I normally do this the day before a valve adjustment so the covers are ready to go. I have three sets of covers, so between the two cars, there's always a set I can prep ahead of time.

This wood form has worked very well for me; make one...it's easy.
Good luck, Mondshine

[Bama Dave]

[Dale M.]

I have found that a non hardening gasket sealer will let gasket move.... I use weather stripping (contact) cement like 3M... Sure its a bear to clean off valve cover (none on head side) but carb cleaner and a little wire brush (tooth brush size) makes quick work of problem....

Ultimately I like SCAT valve covers with tabs to retain gaskets...

Dale
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[helowrench]

On most engines, I use https://www.amazon.com/Hylomar-Aerograde-3-5-oz-Tu...omar+pl32.
prepped correctly you will have no leaks.
clean clean clean the valve covers, carb cleaner or acetone for the final wipe, then the hylomar, then lay the gasket on. Another light smear of hylomar on the head side, and wipe the head surface with a rag (carb cleaner on it) right before assembly.

no leaks whatsoever from that in over 10 years.

Hylomar comes off the head with the acetone, or carb cleaner quite well.

Rob
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Current VWs:
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[rugblaster]

X10 on the 3M trim cement...........The gold standard for many years. You can find it at auto body shop supply companies.
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[jason]

I've never had a leak or sucked gasket. I put a very thin coat of silicone on cover side, stick to cover which has been cleaned by brake clean. Dont use carb cleaner, it leaves a film which is probably lubricant for the moving parts. Oil the side that goes against head and clip on. Let it dry before starting. You can take covers on and off. I've used same gaskets for 10 years. I also have 1.4's using the stock covers, no need for bolt ons.

[Howard 111]

Here's what I use, no sealer, no leaks.

http://www.cbperformance.com/product-p/1978.htm
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1973 Karmann Ghia
Turbocharged, Fuel Injected
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=531270

[rugblaster]

[TheRustySuper]

I've used cork gaskets for years and have never had a problem with leaks. Just make sure to replace them when you do the valves or they probably will leak, they don't like to be reused.
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My '72 Super

[KTPhil]

Cork or rubber/cork composite gaskets, gasgacinch on the cover side, a LIGHT smear of grease on the head wide (wiped off so it feels almost dry and there are no gobs of grease anywhere). I can R&R them once or twice without leaks if I clean them well. Feel them and if they are stiff or have any impressions from the head, then they should be replaced.

[mark tucker]

a sharp center punch and some divots in the head and or valve cover to hold the gasket is all I ever used. it gives it traction. or you can add an inner flange to hold it. I also trimed some of the big gaskets so when they expanded that would not force them selves out at the long run.(center) I dont like cleaning sealer off the serfaces Im lazy.

[[email protected]]

Cork gaskets and yellow weather strip adhesive. Never had one suck in for the last 27 years.
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Cylinder Head Reference Sheet

[JohnnyRingo]

Valvoline red European wheel bearing grease....lightly coated on both sides......never a leak so far. Taken from Rob and Dave's VW manual.

[KTPhil]

[gt1953]

A large part of the problem is the week bales. Proper pressure on them is important. I use cork gaskets and soak them in water so they swell up. A small amount of long fiber grease. they do not leak.
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