How Do You Keep New Valve Cover Gasket From Leaking?

[Boltgunner]

Mine is almost new, but leaks by the distributor end, front corner of valve cover...Bought a new gasket today, will swap this weekend. Motor is ES2...HELP!

[w261w261]

Make sure when you install it that the surfaces are clean, both on the motor and on the valve cover. Make sure that the cover is seated well before you tighten things down. I went through a frustrating time with a couple of aftermarket gaskets before I bought one from the Honda dealer. End of problem.

[Bglad420]

OK, make sure all sufaces are clean and free of dirt, oil, and debris. Than once you have that done get some black RTV gasket maker and apply it to the head on all four corners of the humps on the ends the tighten from center out.

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[MessyHonda]

i used some gasket sealer on the corners of the dizzy side....i used a felpro gasket...

[Boltgunner]

I bought a Felpro at lunch today, and will go get the black goo for the corners...Thanks!

[carotman]

I personally never used any kind of sealant and my gaskets never leaked.

Make sure it's properly torqued and that the surface was clean. Overtorquing isn't helping much here.

[2ndGenGuy]

OK, make sure all sufaces are clean and free of dirt, oil, and debris. Than once you have that done get some black RTV gasket maker and apply it to the head on all four corners of the humps on the ends the tighten from center out.
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My machinist told me to do the same thing, though I'm not 100% sure it's necessary.

And yeah, carotman is right. Don't overtighten it! You will warp the valve cover and it will never stop leaking.

[PhydeauX]

Always use an oem honda gasket. I've used felpro and they've always leaked, the oem stays bone dry.

andy

[Pico]

I've used OEM and Felpro and had good luck with both.
I only use sealant on the end caps never on the whole gasket and then I torque the bolts to spec.