The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Engine gasket sealer suggestions, please!

I'm getting ready to do my 3k oil change and this time I've got to stop some leaking gaskets. I've used different types of "dope" over the years (black, blue, orange, gasket sealer, gasket maker, silicone, etc.). I was hoping I could find some silicone imbedded gaskets, but haven't found any, and went ahead and got cork gaskets from NAPA. Since my life has been 90% Chevy/GMC, I've had the joy of leaky gaskets no matter what I used, learning early on that "A Chevy will go forever as long as you keep putting oil in it." Anyway, the PO of my truck seemed to have found a pretty good product, and the valve cover hasn't leaked in the 4 years I've had it. But I think it's time to check the valves for adjustment, and the side pan gasket is leaking for sure. I figure I'll just go ahead and do the oil pan and take a look-see to make sure the pan is clean and things are kosher under there. My question is, what do all of you well-informed and seasoned 235 owners recommend for exceptionally good cork to metal sealer? What are your tricks for getting a non-leaker? (Mine is a '56 235, btw) Thanks for any suggestions, and possibly some stories of definitely what NOT to use. Thanks, fellas! Lee Butcher

If I use a cork gasket I will coat each side(all 4 of them) with a very light coat of clear silicone. Let it dry for a day then install the gasket. Works ok for me.

I like this stuff if your not planning to take it apart anytime soon. Works good on paper, cardboard, and cork. I've never tried it on hoses.

Indian Head Gasket Shellac

https://www.permatex.com/products/g...tex-indian-head-gasket-shellac-compound/

Have not seen that Permatax shellac product in years.
I might look for it as it sounds like a good solution to seal cork gaskets from moving and weeping.

Wish they made a rubber valve cover gasket.

I used a gasket maker sealant with no cork gasket on the valve cover and side cover with decent success.

There was a thread some time ago where a guy had a silicone valve cover gasket.

I have been using Gasgacinch after a professional engine rebuilder recommended it to me. On one side for valve cover and oil pan gaskets (for easy removal of covers and re-use of the cork gaskets). No leaks from from my oil pan nor from my valve cover.

Used the Indian stuff quite a bit...but I also have good luck using the sealer in a caulking gun. Used as directed it should only require a slight tightening once in a while.


....I've seen a lot of leaks caused or made worse by folks who tighten the nuts/screws waaaay to tight and warp the cover.
Just saying.

....and the type to use, as has been pointed out, may depend on if your planning to pull the cover anyway soon. If so, then it gets glued to the cover. Just my .02

Alvin,

I have glued (gasgacinch) to the valve cover or to the head. The advantage of to the head is that the lower seal keeps seepage that you sometimes get from no glue and a slightly warped valve cover.

I have had good success with red silicone, always glue to uneven surface(usually tin) and leave the machined surface so removal is possible without ruining gasket. If both surfaces are uneven, might have to glue both sides and ruin gasket upon removal.

Ed

If you are using the "Best" gasket kit, I would toss the pushrod cover gasket if it is of the black hard felt looking type... it doesn't seal worth a darn.

I never really liked silicone because of the scary places that I have found it in engines, but the red or copper silicone is great to seal the pushrod cover when used all by itself (no gasket). No more seeps!

Thanks, everybody! A LOT of information and good thoughts on this. Now I just have to decide which one to use. Someone had mentioned the thinner side gasket is not a good idea, so I checked my gaskets (Fel-Pro), and the side gasket is a full 1/4", unlike the usual thickness for the pan and valve covers. Also, Dave, mine are "full cork" (and whatever they stick it together with) and not the felt type. Thanks, all! I really appreciate the help. I've got permatex 2, 3M weatherstrip adhesive and a few others, but wasnt' sure if there was a sure no leak system, since mine have always pretty much been "sure to leak". I'll let you know what happens as soon as the rain here in southeast Missouri goes away for a couple of days.