Somewhere, I heard a great recommendation for sealing a valve cover gasket on an engine where the cover needs periodic removal for valve adjustments: put goop on one side (only) of the gasket and let it seal to the cover, then put a thin layer of grease on the other side of the gasket where it seals to the cylinder head. The grease will supposedly seal every bit as well as goop, and provides a removeable solution. The same gasket can be resused after you pull the cover the next time.

Because this makes sense intuitively, I have been recommending the solution to others. Recently, for the first time, I've tried it, myself... and I can tell you the *@&# thing leaks like a seive. I tightened all the bolts until snug, let it dry, then snugged them a little more. It drips. A day later, I snug the bolts a little more. It drips less. After 3 iterations, it's better, but not great. I'm afraid to go too tight because (in my experience) the head casting will simply cut right through the middle of the gasket, and the whole concept of reusing it goes out the window. By the time I get to that stage, I may as well just put goop on it and be done with it. Besides, if I have to buy a new one every once in awhile, at least I can do my part to convince FelPro to keep them in production.

And yes, the cover edges look pretty straight.

What supremely obvious thing am I missing, oh great purveyors of wisdom?

- Erik

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Lots of early Valiants and Barracudas have crossed my path.
Also a handful of other toys for variety now and then.

I never use any goop or grease, and I've had no problems sealing or periodically removing the valve cover. Sure, after a few installations and removals, a cork gasket will rip or take a "set," but they're cheap, so I don't worry about it. I have recently put on my first rubber gasket (usually use cork) and have not had a leak. I have not tried removing it yet.

Shaun

Rubber is great. I've taken my valve cover off a few times and put it back on with no leaks. Used a little sealer on the cover side to keep it on the cover.Thumbs up for rubber if you ask me.

Dart68

Erik,

I do not use goop or grease. I only use the FelPro rubber/composite gasket, and I can reuse it at least 3 times (unless it's on the motor for a long time). Generally, this gasket does not stick to the head or VC, and I do not experience leaks unless I reuse it many times.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

I usually use cork with out any kind of sealer and have had no problems with leaks.

I have been replacing it the last few time I removed the valve cover.

John

Well, the votes are in, and everyone seems to be in agreement that I really shouldn't be having any trouble with leaks. I guess I'll go tighten the bolts some more.

Thanks, guys!

- Erik

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Lots of early Valiants and Barracudas have crossed my path.
Also a handful of other toys for variety now and then.