Thread: Sb Chevy Valve Cover Gaskets

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I like to use alot of different sealants on things{I do not like leaks}so I sacrifice the convenience of dissasembly for better sealing qualities.
What I did on my valve covers was to prepare the surface of the valve covers for sealant,cleaned and ruffed up with some 220 grit emery cloth.
I then applied a thin,but ample amount,of silicone sealant to the gaskett and valve cover,then carefully put the gaskett into place,peel it back apart to check that there is a good seal all the way around and to give the silicone some air to help it dry faster.Then re-apply the gaskett and use the head as a holder,tighten the valve cover back on head to help set gaskett in place.I then allow this to cure for 24 to 48 hrs soo the gaskett becomes one with the valve cover,then I take it back off cleaning all the mating surfaces of the head and gaskett with acetone or similar evaperating cleaner that leaves no residue.Then I apply the gaskett shelac or avaition sealant{theres many terms for this product}to the head and bottom of valve cover gaskett and once again put it back on the head getting everything in position and snug the bolts down and remove the cover once again to check that the seal is good and to let the sealant breath a little to help it dry faster.Then I install the valve cover for the last time ...{literially} and snug the bolts down to about 1/2 of what I will finally tighten them to and let that sit for a few hours....then go back and tighten the bolts all the way to spec or a tad tighter.The last step is to use a rag ,q-tip or other device with some acetone to wipe the excess sealants up that have oozed out .
Thats it your all done.....will not leak........... .but.............when you attempt to get them back off ,things will be stuck quite good soo what I do is to try to seperate the valve cover from the gaskett,leaving it stuck to head and if you used some type of good rubber or even cork you can clean it back up real good and re-install .....if your lucky,....if not you will have to spend some time getting both surfaces clean again and purchase a new gaskett...............................but it will not leak