Trying to solve a debate with a friend.

When you do valve cover gaskets, what method do you use to get a good seal?

Do you put rtv on the valve cover and stick the gasket to the valve cover and not the head side or do you put rtv on the head mating surface and the valve cover mounting side to the gasket?

Just curious what is the best way you have found to get the valve cover gaskets to seal?

 

-Permatex® GASKET SEALANTS-

 

I use Permatex Aviation Form-a-Gasket on the valve cover side only, not so much to seal, but to hold the gasket in place. I think Permatex The Right Stuff would work fine too as it is oil and gasoline resistant.

 

I've always had good luck with petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Stick a thin layer on the head, line up your gasket and toss it on, then put your valve cover on.

I've never had any leaks.

I just did the same thing with my transmission pan gasket. No leaks, and held in place the entire time. It's safe for use because it has an extremely low melting point, and will disappear when it gets hot enough just like how brake cleaner evaporates.

 

Well, I have used cork gaskets for 40 + years....I use permatex hardening gasket glue to attach the gasket to the valve cover, then just attached direct to the head.