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In March of 2018, I installed Fel Pro VS 12869 T DRY on my small block with cast aluminum valve covers.
No problems and no leaks.
Don't the instructions say to install DRY?
You're right!
Shame on me for not doing my homework before asking the question. As punishment, I just looked up the instructions (since I lost mine) on the Fel Pro website. They say to install dry after cleaning/degreasing mating surfaces.
Whether or not to use a sealant probably depends more if heads have flat machined VC Rails OR if Rails are rough cast ...
... and if VCs have sturdy Flanges that're smooth machined cast/billet OR if Flanges are flimsy stampings.
FWIW ... the iron Vortec L31 350 has smooth machined VC Rails and its OE valve covers are Sturdy stampings ... their reusable gaskets need no sealant ...
... but when enthusiast adds cheap Chrome, thin flimsy stamped VCs ... they often leak.
Whether or not to use a sealant probably depends more if heads have flat machined VC Rails OR if Rails are rough cast ...
... and if VCs have sturdy Flanges that're smooth machined cast/billet OR if Flanges are flimsy stampings.
FWIW ... the iron Vortec L31 350 has smooth machined VC Rails and its OE valve covers are Sturdy stampings ... their reusable gaskets need no sealant ...
... but when enthusiast adds cheap Chrome, thin flimsy stamped VCs ... they often leak.
Good point. My heads are original (casting #3927186) and my valve covers are the aluminum ones typically found on the L46 350
If you NEED to use sealant because your mating parts are in bad condition, save your money and just buy a decent quality cork/rubber gasket. Gooping up a 'no sealant' Fel-Pro gasket is like putting regular fuel in a Ferrari. [a foolish thing to do]
If the mating surfaces can be cleaned up and made smooth, then just clean both with lacquer thinner, then install with the Fel-Pro gasket. Done deal...
I used this gaskets on my small block. One was fine with no sealant but the other leaked slightly at the back bottom corner. Heads are Dart alloy and the valve covers are alloy M/T. I believe that the valve cover may be slightly warped so I applied a little sealant to the gasket in that corner and no leak now.
I used this gaskets on my small block. One was fine with no sealant but the other leaked slightly at the back bottom corner. Heads are Dart alloy and the valve covers are alloy M/T. I believe that the valve cover may be slightly warped so I applied a little sealant to the gasket in that corner and no leak now.
Thanks for the tip. I'll make sure to keep an eye on both covers after installation and adjust accordingly. Oil leaks are so much fun to track down.
Actually correction: the detective work is fun, but the cleaning part beforehand sure is tedious.
The only area of the mating parts that need to be cleaned and free of any oil, dirt are the surfaces where the gasket will be seated. A cloth dampened with lacquer thinner rubbed around those surfaces will get the job done. No need to do troublesome cleaning of the entire part.
Do these gaskets need a sealant?
[a foolish thing to do]
