valve cover gasket sealant

D

darmahsd

Member
Good day everyone. I hope to remove my leaking valve cover today and check the valve clearances. The existing cover gasket has black sealant slopped on all over the place. I have a new cork gasket and was wondering if any sealant should be used when I install the new valve cover gasket? Thanks!
 
I normally use a contact adhesive to attach the gasket to the cover, then fit the cover to the engine. Pretty much what the Rover factory manual instructs. Works well and doesn’t leak.
 
The gasket should be glued to the cam cover, otherwise they slip out over time. I used to use 3M supertrim adhesive, but then I moved to a silicone rubber gasket and started using RTV (silicone).

Yours
Vern
 
From the factory they weren't a cork gasket, the only reason they are now is for cheapness of manufacture. The factory ones never needed glue or sealant.
 
harveyp6 said:
From the factory they weren't a cork gasket, the only reason they are now is for cheapness of manufacture. The factory ones never needed glue or sealant.
Click to expand...
Well, they were kind of cork. Two thin layers of cork laminated on either side of an aluminum foil, then the lot coated with some kind of rubber coating.

The factory gluing the gasket on technically was only for the very early solid cork gasket, but I found the laminated gasket tended to slip out on the spark plug side so I glued those too.

Yours
Vern
 
Vern Klukas said:
Well, they were kind of cork. Two thin layers of cork laminated on either side of an aluminum foil, then the lot coated with some kind of rubber coating.


Yours
Vern
Click to expand...

Well, that certainly proves my point about the current all cork gaskets are just a cost cutting exercise. Back in the day I never fitted anything other than factory gaskets.
 
I'm going to try the adhesive for the gasket/valve cover and then a smear of grease on the other side when I reinstall it.
 
The only problem with using grease is it's a lubricant and aids the cork to be squeezed out, the same with any sealant unless it's allowed to set before tightening down. Not too tightly because it's not needed.
 
Hi there; Well I finally got the valve cover off as I had to spray the seam with gasket remover and let it sit for a few days as the cover was installed by the last victim with no gasket but a generous helping of gasket maker.....I have attached my readings. I realize that most of the valves are a bit tight and I that I need to remedy this. My question I guess is; am I risking damage by driving the car in the meantime or should I just park it and drink beer instead? Thanks much!
 

Attachments

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  • rover:valve:clearances.jpg
    rover:valve:clearances.jpg
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I wouldn't run that for too long, some of those clearances are really tight. Into the garage wil be okay though.
And not a single correct clearance amongst them.
 
thanks much Harvey; will do. Here is a link to a shim kit:


I saved this link from some conversation I had with a member or some recommendation that this kit would work for the Rover or am I hallucinating again? Thanks!
 
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