Stupid valve cover question

[Anonymous]

I'm replacing the valve cover gasket on my 200ci. At first it was a small seep, but now I'm losing alot of oil in some places. A couple dumb questions since I have never done this before. I bought a gasket and RTV silicone at Autozone. The instructions say it can be used as a gasket replacement, but I think the rubber gasket would work better (that's what is on there stock). Do I apply the RTV sealent to the valve cover side, head side, both, or not at all? Also, I read if you tighten it too much, you can distort the shape of the cover and cause leaks. Should I be anal about it and buy a torque wrench? Or just tighten it back on snug?
Thanks in advance

 

[Anonymous]

I use it on both sides but some people only use it on the valve cover side , just snug the bolts down .

 

[Anonymous]

I used the rubber gasket from auto zone and no sealant and I don't have any leaks.

mike

 

[bob emmerich]

I've always used a SLIGHT bead around the gasket and snugged it down using the factory specs w/o any problems.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks all,
I think I'll put a small small bead of it along the valve cover to just hold it when I fit it on the head.

 

[ludwig]

Lay a straight edge on the tin and see if it is flat or not. It can be bumped up on the ends or tilted inward so you don't achieve a seal. And you want to tighten the nuts gradually, not all at once in one spot. That will bend the lip out of straight.

 

[MustangSix]

The metal valve covers will bend and leak if overtightened.

Two things will help. First, straighten the tin with a hammer and dolly where the bolt holes might be indented. It needs to be flat.

Second, get some valve cover hold down washers. You can put those on at least four of the bolts to spread the load.

I usually just use a little RTV to retain the gasket to the cover and no more. If the cover is straight, it will not leak. Tighten the bolts gently. I have a 7/16" nutdriver that I use. A wrench applies too much force.

 

[Anonymous]

is this a chrome cover?

 

[Anonymous]

I forgot about them little chrome tabs they helped alot too .

 

[Anonymous]

is this a chrome cover?

No its stock.