Fail-Pro Gaskets

[The Critic]

My dad called me and said his Previa was pouring oil. Since the complaint was coming from a person who typically ignores most vehicle issues, it warranted an investigation.

10 months and 2500 miles ago, I resealed the valve cover using a Fel-Pro VS50386R kit. I have a longtime policy of not using Fel-Pro to seal in any liquids, but I violated my own policy…and now I get to redo it again.

The Valve Cover gasket is pouring oil and all four spark plug tube seals are dripping.

And yes, I re-checked all of the fasteners - they are tight, so this isn’t a case of gasket shrinkage. Interestingly enough, the valve cover was bone dry for 10 months, then it suddenly started leaking.

 

[dogememe]

Sad How is Mahle? That seems to be the primary competition to Fel-Pro.

 

[GSCJR]

That sucks, I remember when you did them.

 

[BMW Dom]

Sad How is Mahle? That seems to be the primary competition to Fel-Pro.

Which is Victor Reinz right? At least when I bought a "Mahle" valve cover gasket it was Victor Reinz which I guess is the same thing

 

[ctechbob]

Same experience I've had with their J-Series VC gaskets. Absolute garbage.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Good on you for taking care of Dad. The Previa will get fixed.

 

[Sedin26]

The last Fel Pro part I bought was a 93 Tercel valve cover gasket and it was as too malformed to use. It just wouldn’t fit so I had to throw it out and get something better.

 

[The Critic]

Sad How is Mahle? That seems to be the primary competition to Fel-Pro.

Credit: a BMW tech

 

[Junk]

We've seen a run on Fel-pro stuff needing warranty replacement come through the shop recently too. A handful of sets of valve cover gaskets, and a couple of rear main seals as well. Decided from then on out OE rear main seals were the only good option, and have gone to either Mahle or Victor Reinz, or OE for other gaskets. Sorry you're having to dig back into it.

 

[benjamming]

Replaced this time with OE or what?

 

[dvblanch]

Pressure in the crankcase?

 

[BrendanC]

i’m an OEM only guy when it comes to gaskets. i’ve had way too many fel-pro redo’s.

 

[Trav]

When dealing with any part that is not OE research and due diligence is needed to avoid the bad ones. Generally Elring bought in Germany for Euro vehicle is likely to be made in Germany and is the OE supplier but never buy one for a Japanese car or most Euro cars sold in other markets, it is usually trash. When in doubt OE.
This one is safe and high quality..

Elring Engine Gasket Set

Made in Germany 1300 - 1600cc Engines Part Number: 111198007AF

iapperformance.com

This one I wouldn't touch with a 10ft pole.

Porsche Engine Valve Cover Gasket Kit - Elring 841.521

Porsche Engine Valve Cover Gasket Kit - Elring 841.521

www.fcpeuro.com

 

[cptbarkey]

I've had no issues with Fel Pro gaskets over several years.

 

[Kira]

WOW, you guys are pros and no doubt you're on-the-money but this is the first I've heard of Fel-Pro being bad.
I thought it was a time honored name.

I hope my eclipse glasses weren't made by Fel-Pro.

 

[zzyzzx]

Fel-Pro is the Dorman of gaskets. Widely available, but maybe not so great. I have also had issues with Fel-Pro gaskets.

 

[doitmyself]

From a DIY shade tree mechanic perspective, did Fel-Pro used to be a go-to after market company that has fallen from grace, similar to how MOOG and Timken have become questionable? I used a Fel-Pro transmission gasket over a dozen years ago and it was a very stout, high quality product.

Or is Trav hinting that some of Fel-Pro products are o.k., but you have to do due diligence to figure out which ones are good (with any brand)?

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

When dealing with any part that is not OE research and due diligence is needed to avoid the bad ones. Generally Elring bought in Germany for Euro vehicle is likely to be made in Germany and is the OE supplier but never buy one for a Japanese car or most Euro cars sold in other markets, it is usually trash. When in doubt OE.
This one is safe and high quality..

Elring Engine Gasket Set

Made in Germany 1300 - 1600cc Engines Part Number: 111198007AF

iapperformance.com

This one I wouldn't touch with a 10ft pole.

Porsche Engine Valve Cover Gasket Kit - Elring 841.521

Porsche Engine Valve Cover Gasket Kit - Elring 841.521

www.fcpeuro.com

+1

I've read from a Euro shop owner who was high on Elring VC and VC gaskets from China but has since soured a couple of months later a they were having to re-do the work. Lemforder has also moved some manufacturing to China. My guess is that these companies have decided to use lower cost manufacturing for their aftermarket channel in order to boost margins and the quality control isn't there. Kudos to FCP Euro for not calling that Elring gasket package "OE".

 

[vwmaniaman]

Be sure to check PCV valve and crankcase pressure. if this plugs up then oil will find a way to escape.

 

[jeepman3071]

Which brand do you suggest? I've used pretty much all of them and haven't found one to be best IMO. I try to go OEM when I can.