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Is there a preference for installing valve cover gasket??

crag antler

crag antler

Forum Mentor
Past Site Supporter
Charter Member
Is there a easy or preferred way to installing a new valve cover gasket??
I have put the gasket on the head with a little RTV and with it sealed to the cover.
Attached to the cover seems easier and less chance of damage.
Do you use a sealant???
So what have you???
Am I doing this wrong or????????????????????????
 
If it's a stock gasket I would put in onto the cover with some spray glue & a little bit of grease on the head side... you'll be able to re-use it then.

I used a silicone realgasket & they go on dry.

Dan :)
 
salty_monk said:
If it's a stock gasket I would put in onto the cover with some spray glue & a little bit of grease on the head side... you'll be able to re-use it then.

I used a silicone realgasket & they go on dry.

Dan :)
Click to expand...

Sorry, I should have mentioned I use the stock gasket.
Thanks.
 
Now you've gone an opened a can of worms! ;-)

The one answer I think everyone can agree on is the RealGasket. They rock.

For a stock gasket I rub engine oil on both sides. Keeps it from sticking. I only use RTV on the end plugs or sometimes on the chain tunnel area if I'm having sealing issues.
 
Nothing. Put gasket on. torque down bolts to proper spec. from the inside out. Ride. I'd especially avoid the sealant. You just don't need it on a valve cover gasket.
 
Realgaskets seem to work quite well for the 8 valve engines (GS850, et al), but I've seen a couple have issues on 1100E engines -- the mating surfaces are much thinner, so it's easier for the gasket to squirt out of place.

Anyhoo, you-didn't-really-ask-this-but-I'll-mention-it-anyway, here's my preferred method for putting a Realgasket into place, which is an utterly maddening task sometimes.

1) Lay out two paper shop towels (still attached to each other) on your workbench.

2) Arrange the Realgasket neatly thereon.

3) Roll up the Realgasket left to right (or right to left, if the moon is in a waning phase) along with the towels, like a jelly roll. Make sure you remember which side goes where and you have it the right side up (if it's asymmetric).

4) Unroll the Realgasket/paper towel jelly roll on top of the engine in the approximate correct position.

5) Carefully begin tearing the paper towels away, allowing the Realgasket to nestle comfortably and correctly upon the cylinder head. This bit takes a little practice, but you can eventually accomplish removing the paper towels without losing control of the Realgasket or getting oil on it.
 
I use the OEM gasket, Just a little oil or WD40 sprayed on the gasket,keeps it from sticking. If you are going to be working on your MC
through the tube of silicon in the TRASH
 
I have used both OEM and RealGasket on my '83 1100E. I had problems with the RealGasket. I installed it dry and even bought an inch-pound torque wrench to insure I had the proper torque. Both last year and this year during the Brown County rally the Real Gasket managed to work its way out of place and leak. When I use the OEM gasket I apply a light coat of grease to both the head and valve cover mating surfaces. The OEM gasket I removed when I installed the RealGasket came off without any problems. It looks good enough to re-use. I bought an OEM gasket at CRC2 on the way to Brown County this year and installed it in the motel parking lot. The seal has been bone dry ever since. The RealGasket seemed like a good idea and I know many have had great luck with them, but I have better luck with OEM.

Thanks,
Joe
 
I for one see nothing wrong with using silicone as long as you apply it correctly - cover side of the gasket works well. On the half moon pieces also.

Regarding silicone in general, many OE auto engines use the stuff all over the place. In fact, in a good number of applications (like oil pans and front cover attachment) there is no gasket, just silicone. Again, if properly applied you should be okay.
 
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