[toobroketoretire]

I don't know if you're all aware of this but G.M. used only silicon on their valve covers in the early 80's. They used a black silicon that was very durable and the valve covers didn't leak a drop.

It's a bit of a hassle using silicon but the results are spectacular. You must clean the head and valve cover with a gasoline soaked rag until every trace of oil is gone. Squirt a 3/16" bead of oil resistant silicon on the head (any of the Permatex "Ultras" will do), smear a 1/32" coating on the valve cover, then carefully mush the valve cover in place and snug the bolts up.

Let the silicon cure for several hours before starting your engine and you'll have leak-free valve covers forever. It takes about one $6 tube to do both valve covers so the cost is actually less than a set of even the cheap cork valve cover gaskets.

 

[cor66vette]

I'm sure your method provides for a leak proof seal. I simply use a layer of 44 bearing grease, and not only do the valve covers not leak, but the gaskets remain re usable. :thumbsup:

 

[vettex2]

I remember changing those daily back in the 80's

 

[[email protected]]

I like to use hi-tack to glue the gasket to the covers..they don t leak, stay put, won t squish out the ends , and are removeable

 

[bpassmore]

One more for the"sillycone", been using it over 40 years. Remember when it first came on Oldsmobiles, the "older" mechanics did not know how to handle it so they continued to use the thin OEM gaskets.....and along with them came the leaks.... again!
Trick? don't use too much, toobroke has it right.

 

[Mike2500]

So forgive me for asking but do you also use the gasket's?

 

[[email protected]]

no , thats what hes talking about, just silicone

 

[vettex2]

I used to use orange/copper silicone for headers w/o gaskets....never had any problems.......

 

[[email protected]]

I do that too....last for years