Gasket Maker

[NiNeTy Fo SHO]

I was going to replace the valve cover gasket along with all the plug wells. I searched and found the felpro set for $72.99 from a few places...but them the engineer in me said...why not explore more options.

I found this: Gasket Maker

It says "Great for valve covers, oil pans, pumps, compressors, transmissions, gearbox covers, etc. Used on OEM production lines."

It is made for sealing valve covers! (I know, things that sound too good to be true usually are.) For $11.95 for the bottle that does "This size can makes 8-10 average sized four cylinder valve cover gaskets" I am thinking why not??

I am just thinking because I want to replace the gaskets on both of my SHO's....so I am looking at 150 bones just for some gaskets.

Post your thoughts.

Comment: Here at work we use stuff like this to seal gas manifolds to make the tooling air-tight. This is where I got the idea from.

 

[NiNeTy Fo SHO]

Here is another site:
http://www.zep.com/ProductCatalog/P...tive&superSection=0&section=20&subSection=583
the 2nd one (gasket - red) says for valve covers and it good up to 550 degrees F. That should be wayyyyyyyyyyy hotter than my engine should ever see.

 

[wood_e]

If that stuff doesn't work I wouldn't want to tear it apart again...

 

[Ishodu]

For some valve covers maybe, not ours. Our valve covers are not 2 flat surfaces like the side of the oil pan. There is a grove there for a gasket. Plus what do you plan on doing with the holes that will be on the side where the ends of the cams are? Don't bother using a sealant for this job other than a dab or 2 in the tight corners of the plugs.

 

[RAYJAY]

use the felpro gaskets .....


Jeff

 

[NiNeTy Fo SHO]

I guess I was thinking 1 of 2 things. (the products I listed may not be made for this kind of application.)

1) Put this stuff in that groove, let it dry into a rubbery substance, and then assemble. Dis-assembly would be fairly easy and not messy b/c the gasket would be stuck to whatever side you put it on first to dry. It would act as a "rubber" gasket and seal just fine.

2) I was thinking of lightly "coating" the current gaskets (if I can remove them in 1-2 pieces) and letting the stuff dry. This essectially makes the gasket "thicker" so when it is re-installed, it will seal.

I am glad for all input to tell me what the bad parts are before I would attempt something like this.

All devil's advocates are welcome...and their comments.


I am just trying to think out of the box....but truthful, but keep in mind I am not a total idiot. I did say total...

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

Ive used 'the right stuff" for many, many things. It is GREAT stuff.

It comes out likee cheese-wiz, and the item it is used upon can be put to use IMEDIATELY. No 24hr BS like the typical RTV.

I even used it to patch a missing section of my moonroof weatherstripping.

It cured to a super-stretchy rubber.

 

[ohfosho]

well you will have to see how bad you current gaskets are...and then clean them well and add the gasket maker (a small bead) along it. i did this with my old car a 91 ford ****** gt. i used a lot of gasket maker on a new gasket, so it squeezed lots out...but it didnt leak! just touque down your bolts to the right setting.

 

[K-Dawg]

Dude, use the real gaskets.

That stuff's ghetto. You're never going to get a good seal with it.

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

That stuff's ghetto. You're never going to get a good seal with it.

Dont knock it till you try it.

It is VERY good stuff.

Ive sealed 2 oil pans with it, and put the vehicles to use within an hour of installation, no leaks thousands of miles later.

I also used it to adhere the valve cover gaskets to the valve covers themselves. Makes installation of the rear valve cover without the common "rolled" gasket a breeze.

Only problem I have with it, is once you crack the seal on the tube, you should use the ENTIRE tube. It tends to go bad after sitting on the shelf after is has been opened. And the stuff isnt cheap. Something like $20 a tube. But in the cases Ive used it, I physically didnt have the option of letting the car sit overnight just to let RTV cure.

 

[NiNeTy Fo SHO]

For the can of the "right stuff" it would be $16.90 with shipping for 1 can....I figured I would get 2 or 3 just to be safe.

I understand people's view on getting the felpro gaskets because you know they will work, but from the website and people's remarks here, "the right stuff" seems to work well too.

...I was also thinking, why would I ever need to remove the valve covers again? (at least while I own the car) This is going on a daily driver and it will get no mods. (at least not there)


Thanks for all the responses....now I have to decide to try it or not.

 

[Denny]

It is true that many mating surfaces that should get gaskets are simply sealed at the factory. Auto tranny pans are like these. I would keep in mind that within a year or two, many of these "seals" leak like a sieve. I've seen countless new cars across many brands that leak within 15K or less. Although a really good sealant, a few cans of silever metallic paint I've been told by the mechanics at work.