GM 4.3 Valve Cover Gaskets

[JohnnyO]

Tomorrow's New Year's Day project since I'm off work will be new valve cover gaskets on the ex-phone co. '87 Astro work beater. I got new gaskets on the way home from work, parts guy at NAPA asks "Cork or rubber?", I choose rubber since I've heard they don't need sealant but the NAPA guy says I can put a thin bead on anyway. I have tubes of Permatex 1 and Permatex 2. Which would be better, or does it matter? Or do I not need any at all?
Thanks and Happy New Year!

 

[sbc350gearhead]

I use Mr. gasket ultraseal valve cover gaskets, and I highly recommend them. No sealant needed, and they are a silicone impregnated cork. The rubber over metal frame gaskets are very good and reusable. No sealant is needed with those either.

 

[JohnnyO]

As best as I can tell, these are Victo-Tech gaskets from Victor/Dana. There are three different gasket descriptions on the package I suppose to use the same package for different gaskets. No bolt holes so I guess I have the center-bolt covers. I've owned it a little over a year and never had to take the engine cover off yet. Thanks.

 

[sbc350gearhead]

victor reinz makes good gaskets. I would use them without sealant first. If you have a leak, then use a thin coat of rtv on each side of gasket.(whatever RTV you care to use). Centerbolt valve covers have been used since 87 IIRC.

 

[JohnnyO]

All done, thanks. The gaskets on it were rubber too. They seemed in good shape actually. Tops of the covers were real cruddy though, I think stuff is getting by the assorted tubes and all plugged into them. Insides pretty dirty too, I cleaned them out as best I could but nothing short of sandblasting is going to clean them I think. We'll see if things dry out some. Lost my star bit and extension adapter on the very first bolt, it fell down by the engine mount and I can't find it.

Fortunately I got another set for Christmas.