Tips for installing multi piece valve cover gaskets

[blk86trbo]

Hey guys I normally only use the 1 piece style valve cover and gasket, so the 4 piece is kinda foreign to me...

Do I want to install all 4 pieces on the cover first and then let it "set up" before installation? If so, is it best to use black gasket maker on both sides of the gasket? Normally when I install a paper gasket on the thermostat cover, I'll use the black gasket maker on one side and regular grease on the other so the cover can be removed without destroying the gasket...should I also do that with the valve cover?

Or do I just want to use the 2 gaskets on each end of the cover with black gasket maker down the sides?

I'd like to do this as "mess free" as possible the 1st time, and it's already known that I have a heck of a time with the multi-piece oil pan gaskets...figured I'd better ask for some advice first, before I'm out in the driveway cursing at the top of my lungs and causing a scene

If you've found something that works good for you, please post it up

[rich tideswell]

no matter how i installed the 4 peice set it leaked and sometimes almost imediatly. the one peice fel-pro verson of this is a fustration saver

[135sohc]

rubber end caps and rtv on the rails, nothing else.

[BadAssPerformance]

rubber end caps and rtv on the rails, nothing else.

+1

Step 1 - Throw cork pieces away
Step 2 - CLEAN the valvecover gasket area as well as possible and de-grease with brake cleaner
Step 3 - Clean/reseal baffle (KC article) if you have not yet
Step 4 - Press rubber end seals into cover, use RTV at corners if needed to make it 'stick' while you flip it upside down.
Step 5 - Put black RTV in the RTV channel in the valvecover front and back sections
Step 6 - Carefully install the cover onto head, the more crap out of the way the better so you dont get RTV everywhere
Step 7 - Carefully bolt it down

[sy2206]

Yes, JT's pretty much got it covered. If you do it right, they'll never leak. I don't have any 1-piece gasket covers on ANY of my cars, and none of mine leak.

Another thing to do would be to run a 6mm tap in the valve cover bolt holes, in the head. I've seen before where RTV from previous valve cover installations will get down in the holes. When you go to tighten the valve cover down, the hardened RTV down in the bottom of those holes has no where to go, so when the bolt gets tightened down, it cracks the head. Those holes should be nice and clean. Run a tap in there, a little brake cleaner, and an air nozzle and blow em out good, so you know you have enough clear depth for the bolts.

[cordes]

+1 for throwing the cork pieces away. I had those pieces in my omni when I first got it. They leaked like crazy. Threw them out and I haven't had a problem since.

[blk86trbo]

Thanks for the great tips everyone, I'll heed your advice

[DevoBuzz]

Yes, JT's pretty much got it covered. If you do it right, they'll never leak. I don't have any 1-piece gasket covers on ANY of my cars, and none of mine leak.

Another thing to do would be to run a 6mm tap in the valve cover bolt holes, in the head. I've seen before where RTV from previous valve cover installations will get down in the holes. When you go to tighten the valve cover down, the hardened RTV down in the bottom of those holes has no where to go, so when the bolt gets tightened down, it cracks the head. Those holes should be nice and clean. Run a tap in there, a little brake cleaner, and an air nozzle and blow em out good, so you know you have enough clear depth for the bolts.

That's a really good idea. I just my valve cover on a few weeks ago and one of the bolts (or bolt holes) stripped. I bet that was why - I couldn't figure it out.

[4 l-bodies]

I agree with whats been previously stated. I also usually put a drop of blue locktite on the bolts so they don't back them selves out by the vibrations from out motors. Bolts and threads need to be grease free for this to be effective. Torque to 105 inch lbs. and let the RTV have a chance to dry, preferably overnight before use. I also like the quality of the Mopar RTV. Not all RTV holds up to oil real well.
Todd

[rich tideswell]

ugh, i'm growing tired of posting this Fel-Pro part number,JT can you put it below my SN for easy reference next time the topic of one-piece valve cover gaskets come up for replacing the 4 piece?

Fel-Pro VS50205T

using rtv on a valve cover is like welding the hood shut on a TD, don't do it because you'll have to open it up real soon, so why make it more difficult.

[blk86trbo]

ugh, i'm growing tired of posting this Fel-Pro part number,JT can you put it below my SN for easy reference next time the topic of one-piece valve cover gaskets come up for replacing the 4 piece?

Fel-Pro VS50205T

Wow I just checked this gasket out and Autozone wants $37

[johnl]

What they said.

The only thing I can add to the "use the end pieces and RTV the rest" method is that I use those cheap soldering flux acid brushes to apply the RTV. I don't like RTV floating around inside engines so I want to use as little as possible, so I apply as thin a layer as possible. Take a scissors and cut the bristles short, take wipes off the end of the tube with the shortened stiff bristles of the acid brush First, I apply it to the part of the valve cover that the end pieces seat in and then I stick the end pieces on without waiting for it to tack up. Then, while that's curing, I paint a thin layer of RTV onto each side, the head and the valve cover; let it set up till tacky.

[135sohc]

ugh, i'm growing tired of posting this Fel-Pro part number,JT can you put it below my SN for easy reference next time the topic of one-piece valve cover gaskets come up for replacing the 4 piece?

Fel-Pro VS50205T

using rtv on a valve cover is like welding the hood shut on a TD, don't do it because you'll have to open it up real soon, so why make it more difficult.

I could be wrong but I believe that gasket is meant for the stamped steel cover only ?

[rich tideswell]

I could be wrong but I believe that gasket is meant for the stamped steel cover only ?

Correct, thats what I used one my stamped cover (and worth every penny), but the turbo valve covers (cast aluminum) are not multi peice.

The Fel-Pro number for turbo valve covers (and all cast covers) is VS50334R It's Fel-Pro's Perma-Dry series. It has no bolt holes like the stamped covers and Rock Auto carries it for $10. Rock carries their own brand for a few bucks cheaper, VC146 is the number needed.

Rock Auto wants $24 for the VS50205T gasket for the stamped covers

[BadAssPerformance]

OK I'm confused... they make a fully seal gasket for the multi-piece style cast "Turbo" covers?

[contraption22]

Why not just use a one-piece-gasket turbo valvecover? I may still have some around if you need one.

[rich tideswell]

Paul, can you chime in on what you're working on. Year, turbo or no, steel cover/ Al cover, ...etc...

OK I'm confused... they make a fully seal gasket for the multi-piece style cast "Turbo" covers?

Yes, the Fel-Pro number for turbo valve covers (and all cast covers) is VS50334R, it is one peice rubber.

Fel-Pro makes a replacement for the 4 peice stamped covers, VS50205T, it is an upgrade over the 4 peice cork and rubber hoop design. In theory, I supose you could use it on a turbo cover as well..... but why when the one you need is $10.

[BadAssPerformance]

Yes, the Fel-Pro number for turbo valve covers (and all cast covers) is VS50334R, it is one peice rubber.

Fel-Pro makes a replacement for the 4 peice stamped covers, VS50205T, it is an upgrade over the 4 peice cork and rubber hoop design. In theory, I supose you could use it on a turbo cover as well..... but why when the one you need is $10.

Nope... That is only for 88+ cast covers. The 84-87 cast covers use the rubber end seals and RTV

Here are some tips on the differences:

http://www.badassperformance.com/mte...ecover_id.html

[rich tideswell]

Nope... That is only for 88+ cast covers. The 84-87 cast covers use the rubber end seals and RTV

Here are some tips on the differences:

http://www.badassperformance.com/mte...ecover_id.html

Ah, those cheeky bastids, i wondered if there was a design change... Alright, simple:

edit, done some digging.....

Use VS50205T for all 88+ stamped covers

use VS50334R for all cast covers 88 and up

pre 88 stamped cover = hosed, there is no one-peice gasket, theres a change to the hoop part, both sides are not the same shape

pre 88 cast cover = unsure need some oen to test out???

[blk86trbo]

Why not just use a one-piece-gasket turbo valvecover? I may still have some around if you need one.

Thank Mike I appreciate the offer...I've got many 1 pc valve covers around here, but unfortunately the "SHELBY" valvecovers I've gathered are all 4 pc design

Looks like I'm going to use the 2 end pieces and black RTV