T3: RE: Valve cover gasket

["Erkson, Toby" <toby.erkson@intel.com>]

I use the stock cork-style gaskets and have no problem with them, both when 
I had the bail wire and now with the bolt-on valve covers (which, IMO, are 
better than the stock setup).  Just need to make sure that the gasket seats 
properly.  I put the cover on and sorta wiggle it around, feeling for any 
unevenness which would indicate the gasket slipped off the mounting 
surface.  If it "feels good" then I secure the valve cover -- I've learned 
to listen to my gut feeling and follow it; not very scientific but human 
intuition can be fairly accurate and hasn't led me too astray.  I *never* 
have used a gasket sealant, however, if you must use it then you may want 
to consider getting new, quality valve covers.

Also, as we know, VWs are oil leakers anyway.  Something I've noticed with 
my baby are the synthetic oil leaks.  I drained all of the oil from the 
engine with the drain plug out for a couple of *hours*.  After putting in a 
new strainer, drain cover plate, gaskets and washers, I still get a very, 
very slow accumulation of oil on the drain plug (and a couple of other very 
small points on the lower engine).  The synthetic just seems to find ways 
out.  When it had conventional oil in it I don't remember it leaking, but 
the engine was brand-spankin' new as well.  So, if your engine leaks 
conventional oil synthetic will probably be worse if you decide to switch 
over.  But, at least for me, the benefits far outweigh these minor oil 
leaks so I will always continue to use it.
    Toby Erkson
    air_cooled_nut@pobox.com  <-- Please use this address for email
responses
    '72 VW Squareback 1.6L bored and stroked to 2.0L
    '75 Porsche 914 1.8L, ORPCA member
    Portland, Oregon, http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/8501/

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Subject: Valve cover gasket
Author:  Ginger D.&Peter P. [SMTP:gingerd@teleport.com]  at MSXGATE
Date:    3/30/98 10:13 AM
     
...The question I have is related to a small oil leak I noticed.  There
was a small splash of oil on the heat exchanger under the valve cover. 
Last tune up I used  new seals (black, corky type).  The bail wire on 
the non-leaking side is tight enough to require a tool to pop open.  Can 
I tighten the leaking bail wire somehow?  Or is Silicone RTV what is 
needed?