best way to install valve cover?

[falcon fanatic]

After many years of having my cheap chrome vlavle cover leak like a sieve, I have given up and ordered an aluminum one and a Corteco gasket. With the old one it didn't matter what I did to the gasket or how tight or loose I torqued the valve cover, the sucker leaked. I'm hoping theis new cover will seal correctly, but I'm wondering, what do you all think is the best way to install the gasket? Dry? With sealant? If so, what kind of sealant?

 

[66 Fastback]

I've always liked to seal it to the cover and leave it clean on the block. That way, the gasket usually comes off with the valve cover. But if I had problems sealing, I might seal it to both. I've always used Permatex 2 sealant. I don;t remember if it was 2A B or C but it was something like that.
Doug

 

[Gene Fiore]

I installed one of FSP's aluminum valve covers not that long ago. I just used a stock rubber OEM gasket and used blue RTV sealant and glued the gasket to the cover only. Not a single leak.

 

[ludwig]

Make sure the metal around the holes is flat and lines up with the surface in between. Flatten it out between two narrow blocks of wood with a hammer so that there is no hump between the bolts.

 

[Anonymous]

I have used a rubber gasket sealed with this stuff with a couple of valve covers on my engine... never had a single leak and the non hardening sealer is easy to get off
http://www.permatex.com/products/au.../auto_Permatex_Form-A-Gasket_No_2_Sealant.htm

 

[gtm1086]

I threw away the gasket and just used high temp. RTV with the Ford Six alum valve cover no leaks so far.

 

[hasa68mustang]

I used some rtv on mine after also giving in and finally ditching my ebay cheapo cover.

 

[powerband]

I used some rtv on mine after also giving in and finally ditching my ebay cheapo cover.

Don't feel neccessarily that you're "giving in", while building the 250 Head (Thanks Schjeldahl[sp?] Bros !) , we noted that the front VC gasket "Land" was not well formed. Maybe short casting or milling... No way a VC would seat correctly without thick gasket or sealant.

PB

 

[mach1 mark]

I used two cork gaskets and no sealer on my cheap aluminium chrome cover, no leaks .

 

[LaGrasta]

I used two cork gaskets and no sealer on my cheap aluminium chrome cover, no leaks .

hmmm, that's one I haven't tried yet.

The sad thing is, I've tried numerous gasket types and sealants with no avail. Granted, I'm using a cheap chrome cover too. Anyway, I had my valves adjusted just over a month ago at a local shop and it hasn't leaked since. I don't know what that mechanic did, but he did it right. I'm going to ask him the next time I see him.