[67droptop1]

I'm replacing my old valve covers and gaskets. The PO had rubber gaskets and they were just laid in there with out sealant. I have new rubber gaskets on the way but do I need to use sealant to ensure a leak proof installation? Thanks for any info.

The man who runs in front of car gets TIRED. The man who runs behind car gets EXHAUSTED.

 

[68gt390bench]

I'd use some RTV just to play it safe.
That's just my .02 tho!

Mike

Mike
Cortland Manor, NY
'68 GT390 FB, 4spd bench seat
http://www.geocities.com/stangman39/stangsho.html

 

[Jim]

If the mating surfaces are clean and straight, you probably could get away with nothing. I usually use some sealer between the gasket and the cover to hold the gasket in place, but no sealer between the gasket and the head for easy servicing.


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[VictorII]

Thaks all I use because they can be removed to adjust the valves when necessary. In my experience, sealant is not necessary. But make sure the valve covers are flat where the cap screws go through them. Usually they are bent by overzealous tightening at some time int he past. I lay covers upside down so that the rail that the holes are in face up. Slip a 2 X 4 under the rail and use a ball peen hammer to know 'em back into shape. Works every time!

...modified '65 convertible...

 

[VictorII]

Sheesh -- my spelling. I "knock" 'em back into shape...sorry....

...modified '65 convertible...

 

[johnpro]

I did wonder how you "know" them back into shape ... thought it was mental telapathy thing or something *LOL*

I've gotten to were I use the rubber gaskets exclusively and use no sealer at all. Of course I have Edlebrock aluminum valve covers that the ends don't smash out of shape, and have studs in the heads to help with quick easy installation. The studs are then capped with chrome "trick looking" nuts. Makes it a real piece of cake to R&R valve covers and never a leak!

If you always do what you've always done,
You'll always get what you've always got
http://www.classic-mustang.net/johnpro
http://www.classic-mustang.net/john66/mustang/pics/66fsides2.jpg

 

[roadracer]

On the workbench, I'd glue them down to the valvecovers with 3M weatherstrip adhesive (the black stuff, not the yellow).

That way they come off with the valvecovers when removed.

(No sealant needed on the head/Gasket interface)

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"If you're under control you're not going fast enough"
Parnelli Jones
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[SHELBY]

On my GT500 I use contact cement to hold them to the valve cover, as long as the head surface is clean, they will not leak. Makes it easy to remove them, they come off with the valve cover, not sticking to the head.

68 GT500
68 1/2 CJ Coupe

MCA# 18519

 

[abn]

I use them exclusively, without sealant, and have had no problems.

 

[rmarks]

I use them with no sealant and have had no problems with leakage.

Rich
1966 GT convertible