C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Which permatex do I use on Valve Cover Gaskets?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-31-2003, 07:39 AM
  #1  
TIMSPEED
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
 
TIMSPEED's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2001
Location: Modesto CA
Posts: 9,464
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default Which permatex do I use on Valve Cover Gaskets?

I just bought a new set of valve covers, along with FelPro Cork/Rubber Gaskets...my question is, which permatex do I use and where do I put it? (Only between the gasket/head, or between both gasket/head and gasket/valve cover?)
Old 08-31-2003, 08:31 AM
  #2  
BILLYD
Instructor
 
BILLYD's Avatar
 
Member Since: Nov 2002
Location: Tacoma Wa
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Which permatex do I use on Valve Cover Gaskets? (TIMSPEED)

I wouldn't use any gasket cement anywhere on valve cover gaskets. It should seal fine without any.
Bill
Old 08-31-2003, 09:24 AM
  #3  
Strick
Race Director
 
Strick's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 2003
Location: Lake Wylie SC
Posts: 11,670
Received 17 Likes on 17 Posts

Default Re: Which permatex do I use on Valve Cover Gaskets? (TIMSPEED)

Here's what I do, I use GM's assembly silicone (it's gray in color) and glue the gasket to the valve cover, not to the head. This way, it is held in place while you install the cover and you can reuse the gasket if you have to remove it again. :chevy
The following users liked this post:
Rexracer77 (02-20-2019)
Old 08-31-2003, 10:16 AM
  #4  
Sam Lam
Melting Slicks
 
Sam Lam's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2002
Location: St. Charles, MO Route 66 Corvette Club
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Re: Which permatex do I use on Valve Cover Gaskets? (TIMSPEED)

I highly recommend the Fel Pro "non-cork" gaskets. This type of gasket does not require any sealant and they are blue in color and made from a very pliable material that does not leak. They cost a little more than the cork and work a lot better on my 89. Hope this is helpful.
Old 08-31-2003, 03:10 PM
  #5  
FostersPerformance
Melting Slicks
 
FostersPerformance's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2003
Location: Saratoga Springs NY
Posts: 2,966
Received 685 Likes on 477 Posts
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified

Default Re: Which permatex do I use on Valve Cover Gaskets? (TIMSPEED)

Never put anything on rubber gaskets- it defeats the purpose....
Old 08-31-2003, 03:20 PM
  #6  
FD2BLK
Safety Car
 
FD2BLK's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2002
Location: Charleston SC
Posts: 3,655
Likes: 0
Received 24 Likes on 22 Posts

Default Re: Which permatex do I use on Valve Cover Gaskets? (FostersPerformance)

Never put anything on rubber gaskets- it defeats the purpose....
:iagree:
Also never use any sealant on cork gaskets
I use a slite amount of contact cement to tac the gaskets to the valve cove (just enough to hold it in place) and thats it
Old 08-31-2003, 07:04 PM
  #7  
CentralCoaster
Team Owner
 
CentralCoaster's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2002
Location: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes on 16 Posts
Default Re: Which permatex do I use on Valve Cover Gaskets? (ejfagala)

I've never been able to get a good seal... dry rubber or cork... or cork with permatex.

This time I went all out, with rubber gaskets and black rtv on both sides. No leaks so far. :smash:

If your putting em on cast iron heads, it's harder to seal since the head's surface is so lumpy.
Old 08-31-2003, 08:18 PM
  #8  
TIMSPEED
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
 
TIMSPEED's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2001
Location: Modesto CA
Posts: 9,464
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default Re: Which permatex do I use on Valve Cover Gaskets? (CentralCoaster)

If your putting em on cast iron heads, it's harder to seal since the head's surface is so lumpy.
Yup, they're going on cast iron heads, and the gaskets are "Cork/Rubber" it says...So, I should put the BLACK rtv on BOTH sides Kevin?
Old 08-31-2003, 08:43 PM
  #9  
FD2BLK
Safety Car
 
FD2BLK's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2002
Location: Charleston SC
Posts: 3,655
Likes: 0
Received 24 Likes on 22 Posts

Default Re: Which permatex do I use on Valve Cover Gaskets? (TIMSPEED)

If your putting em on cast iron heads, it's harder to seal since the head's surface is so lumpy.
Yup, they're going on cast iron heads, and the gaskets are "Cork/Rubber" it says...So, I should put the BLACK rtv on BOTH sides Kevin?
I have never used sealer and never had a problem with cast iron heads. The only time I have even heard of sealer beeing used is with the old, and I mean old. style hard rubber gaskets. As for your question, no I would not use any sealer If you use a bit of contact cement to tac the gaskets to the valve covers to make sure they don't move then you shouldnt need any sealer. The whole idea behind either the cork or soft rubber gaskets is to conform to the mating surface and compensate for any uneven areas. If the mating surfaces where perfectly flat then you could just use a paper gasket (I.E timing chain cover, water pump ect...). If you use sealer it will be a huge mess next time you remove your valve covers.
Old 08-31-2003, 09:13 PM
  #10  
FostersPerformance
Melting Slicks
 
FostersPerformance's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2003
Location: Saratoga Springs NY
Posts: 2,966
Received 685 Likes on 477 Posts
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified

Default Re: Which permatex do I use on Valve Cover Gaskets? (TIMSPEED)

Exactly!!! :iagree:
Old 09-01-2003, 12:03 AM
  #11  
*89x2*
Team Owner
 
*89x2*'s Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2001
Location: ...tearing up the highways, one state at a time™®©
Posts: 31,564
Received 2,097 Likes on 1,074 Posts

Default Re: Which permatex do I use on Valve Cover Gaskets? (FostersPerformance)

I used a gasket cement as they tended to slide a bit during installation - No probs w/ em :cheers:
Old 09-01-2003, 01:59 AM
  #12  
CentralCoaster
Team Owner
 
CentralCoaster's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2002
Location: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes on 16 Posts
Default Re: Which permatex do I use on Valve Cover Gaskets? (*89x2*)

Try just using a little.. to keep it on the valve cover. If that works, then great.

If not, it'll be easy to pull it off and put RTV all over it. Perimeter bolts are a bitch to seal.

Hey, the forum didn't sensor "bitch"! bitch biatch bitch... bitcy bitchier bitch


[Modified by CentralCoaster, 11:00 PM 8/31/2003]
Old 09-01-2003, 04:26 AM
  #13  
TIMSPEED
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
 
TIMSPEED's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2001
Location: Modesto CA
Posts: 9,464
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default Re: Which permatex do I use on Valve Cover Gaskets? (CentralCoaster)

Perimeter bolts are a bitch to seal.
These ARE permiter bolts.
Old 09-01-2003, 06:43 AM
  #14  
LD85
Race Director
 
LD85's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 1999
Location: Indianapolis IN
Posts: 12,771
Received 14 Likes on 14 Posts

Default Re: Which permatex do I use on Valve Cover Gaskets? (TIMSPEED)

I have had permiter bolts on my old cast iron and new alum heads, no leaks and no permatex has ever been used.

If you are concerned about smashing cork gaskets, what I do is buy a thicker version of my gasket and they do not crush as easy.
Old 10-14-2017, 02:42 PM
  #15  
Jake Phillips
1st Gear
 
Jake Phillips's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Holding up?

Just checking in to see how your valve covers are holding up? Would you still reccomend this method?


Originally Posted by CentralCoaster
I've never been able to get a good seal... dry rubber or cork... or cork with permatex.

This time I went all out, with rubber gaskets and black rtv on both sides. No leaks so far.

If your putting em on cast iron heads, it's harder to seal since the head's surface is so lumpy.


Old 10-14-2017, 03:05 PM
  #16  
ex-x-fire
Drifting
 
ex-x-fire's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,933
Received 190 Likes on 150 Posts

Default

Most in this thread are MIA.
Old 10-14-2017, 09:40 PM
  #17  
TA
Team Owner
 
TA's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2000
Location: Phila., PA burbs
Posts: 20,952
Received 261 Likes on 159 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Jake Phillips
Just checking in to see how your valve covers are holding up? Would you still reccomend this method?
Checking on his valve cover repair from 14 years ago
Old 10-16-2017, 06:27 AM
  #18  
WW7
Le Mans Master
 
WW7's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2007
Location: WV
Posts: 8,731
Received 398 Likes on 318 Posts

Default

Wow , now that's what I call digging up an old thread........WW
Old 02-20-2019, 12:56 AM
  #19  
Jimmy Fingers
1st Gear
 
Jimmy Fingers's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

This is the PERFECT time to hear back from this experiment!!!

Get notified of new replies

To Which permatex do I use on Valve Cover Gaskets?




Quick Reply: Which permatex do I use on Valve Cover Gaskets?



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:29 PM.