No gasket.

[dkcase]

I haven't tried it yet, but it's reported that Permatex's "the Right Stuff" is working well. It's a newer generation of RTV, it applies out of a pressurized can.

It may be what your friend is referring to, because I did read that Chrysler uses it as factory differential cover sealer.

 

[Ironduke4]

I have a 89 grand am and a 89 buick skylark both with the same 2.5L ironduke engine. I sealed up the valve cover on the buick with rtv in september 03 and it has not leaked a drop since. i put a cork gasket on the grand am and it seeps a little oil but one of these days it will get rtv also.

 

[Dan4510]

You also might try to ping out the high spots on the lip of the valve cover. Especially around the hold down bolts. If the bolts pull metal down lower that the rest of the lip it will not seal well.

I had to do this on my small block mopar till I found the ultimate fix. Fel pro made a silicone gasket with a steel center that holds it shape. Never a drop of a leak after putting those on.

Dan

 

[TheLoneRanger]

The trick to using silicone or RTV is in the application. If the parts are clean and dry, and the RTV is applied with care and allowed to "skin", I've found it does an excellent job.

 

[Schmoe]

I second LoneRanger's comments. I too have found that, when you can, if you let the RTV get a coat of skin on it, then put it together, it works rather well. Have done this on some differential covers and worked very well. Just make sure you put the part on square in one try. If you have move the part around, your going to smear the RTV and it will not stop the leaks.

 

[T-Keith]

The post on gasket sealers reminded me of a problem with my car. It's an 88 Grand Am with the 2.5L "Iron Duke".

My car had a leaking valve cover gasket, which is typical of these engines. Now originally they came with no gasket, just RTV sealant. But they sold a cork gasket at the parts store, so I thought I'd give it a shot. Needless to say it didn't work and I still have a pretty good leak.

It's a stamped steel cover on a cast iron head. What would you guys recomend? My friend suggested a Chrysler gasket maker?


thanks,
-T

 

[T-Keith]

I'll give that new RTV a shot and chuck the gasket. Thanks for the recomendation.

-T

 

[cousincletus]

I would use RTV also. I have found that if the mfg. used RTV from the factory, that's what will work best.

 

[T-Keith]

I did as suggested. I used "the right stuff" and flattened the sealing surface as much as I could.

The problem I see is that there aren't enough bolts and the cork gasket doesn't seal unless it's compressed. When you tighten the bolts the gasket just bends the steel valve cover.

I'm going to wash it off today, and hope fully it has worked.

-T