Is it ok to use gasket sealer on lower valve covers?

[zmayne]

Hello all,
The lower valve covers on my 69 T have been leaking, making it almost undriveable due to the burning oil and smoke/odor. I installed a set of used Turbo valve covers, but they're still leaking! Is it ok to use a bead of gasket sealer to get a better seal? Is there some other solution? Should I have the upper and lower covers machined? Help!
Thanks.

[911pcars]

Could be leaking from another source. Leaks from above will drip onto this area. Take a look at the rocker arm shafts. The area between rockers should be dry. What side is the leak?

Could also be:
- Cam housing oil supply line
- Oil pressure sending unit
- Engine oil temp. thermostat
- Oil temp. sending unit
- Joint between cam housing and cylinder head
- Upper valve cover
- Oil drain tube(s)
- Camshaft end plug in cam housing
- Crankcase breather housing

The above are the normal sources.

Sherwood

[roblav]

Sherwood is right here. Those are the typical spots.

[ttweed]

I have always been told to install the valve cover gaskets DRY. If they do not seal, the surfaces are not clean and flat. Gasket sealer should NOT be used, IMHO.

Or, the leak might be from somewhere else, as Sherwood suggests.

TT

[pwd72s]

I've heard raves on the new reusable silicone gaskets..

[dhopkins]

I have the same problem. I installed upper and lower covers and there is still a leak. I am trying to trace the leak to the source. I am thinking it could be coming from the oil cooler forward of the engine.

don
_________________
1963 356B Super
1969 911S
1981 911SC

[zmayne]

I have always been told to install the valve cover gaskets DRY. If they do not seal, the surfaces are not clean and flat. Gasket sealer should NOT be used, IMHO.

TT

I had a feeling it wasn't a good idea to use sealer. Back to the drawing board...

[mjmoran]

Its also a good idea to check flatness of the valve cover. Use of a straight edge and a flat surface (like the wifes granite kitchen countertop) is a great source. Then, if needed a bit of wet-dry paper to flatten out the sealing surface on the cover...

You should not need gasket sealer though...thats for those other cars

[zmayne]

Thanks guys!
Ok, so I'll take off all the valve covers, check them for flatness and if it still leaks I'll try driving it off a cliff...

[rvdv]

It is also very important to use new "crush" washers and Nyloc nuts every time you re-install the covers, and do not over torque.