I have an 87 Ranger w/ 2.9L V6 I have relplace the valve cover gaskets 3 times and always end up with a leak. I have been using cork gaskets but was wondering if the rubber gaskets were any better. My local auto parts store has Victo-Tech gaskets and said that they would work a lot better. Any opinions?

 

Fel-Pro makes an excellent gasket for your application, not the cork ones, but the PermaDryPlus Gaskets (Part # VS 50312T - Ford Truck 2.9L V6 1986-92).

If you read through this you will see that the above-referenced gasket is especially made for addressing issues associated with the 2.9L valve covers: Fel-Pro PermaDry Plus Gaskets

I put a set of PermaDryPlus valve cover gaskets on my 4.0L recently which are similar to the 2.9L gaskets.

P.S. Make sure the valve cover flanges aren't warped.

 

we have had the same problem. going with the fel pro next time.

 

Use FEL-PRO..and make sure all surfaces are CLEAN. I use brake clean after geting any old seal off..spray it then wipe it clean then spray it and let it dry. I also use a little sealent..not a thick bead..just a small smoothed out one so the gasket sticks to the valve cover when i turn it over to stick it on the head..I've never had any leaks doing it this way. I know the 2.9L is a bugger to seal up.

 

Also make sure the load spreads are in the right places and DON'T over tighten the bolts.