Valve cover sealing

[philminotti]

I plan on sealing one of the interfaces, either the valve cover-gasket interface or the head/manifold-gasket interface. Not both because I'd like to be able to remove the valve covers easily. I figure sealing one interface should cut down on the odds of a leak by 50%

Which interface would you guys seal, and what would you use? The Right Stuff or 3M weatherstrip adhesive or something else?

Thanks.

phil

[Barry_R]

Given the option I would glue the cover to the heads - sealing both the intake to head interface as well as the valve cover flange itself. Then I would use studs to mount the covers so I could service them without disturbing the gasket.

[ERA Chas]

After trying many ways over the years, this is what works best for me and has lasted longest.
First, make sure the head/intake joint is flush and put a dab of RightStuff on that joint.
I fasten neoprene gasket to valve cover (I've used Gaskacinch or RightStuff) and then coat valve cover rail on head/intake with grease, old fashioned brown axle grease.
Torque evenly-cast aluminum valve covers are superior to the stamped steel ones for a flat surface. Also use studs as Barry suggests.
The grease allows instant removal but allows no oil to leak past. Has worked for me, the motor stays dry.

[convincor]

Similar to chas, but I like the 5/16" cork from DSC.
Glued to the cover with "TheRightStuff", grease the engine side.
Don't like glueing to the head or intake as it makes cleaning those surfaces a back breaking job for me. Hate having to spend much time leaning over the fenders...

[RICK LAKE]

philminotti It depends on which valve cover you are using and which material of gaskets. I started with steel valve covers and double rubber gaskets. They didn't seal well either way. I added spread bars to them and this helped. I glued the rubber gaskets to the heads and smoothed out the transition between heads and intake. A spot of RTV sealer at this point also helped. The problem was doing valve adjustments after 3-4 times the gaskets leaked. They where not crushed or over tightened. I got the nice aluminum Lemans valve covers and went to the 5/16" thick cork gaskets. I Hi-tac them to the Valve covers and have been using the same set for 6 years with 2-3 valve adjustments check a year. I have had no leaks from this setup. IMO this aluminum valve cover spreads the holding force better that a steel cover. Big thing is to no over tighten them. Contact and a 1/8 turn is all I use. Make sure you check your intke gasket for being clear of water ports and oil returns. I have seen gasket pinch up and get crushed when installing and not following the correct torque pattern. Rick L.

[PANAVIA]

on the FE's I like Cork rightstuffed to the cover. --