Hey Guys,

I have leak from valve cover gasket.
I bought new one and now I want to change it by myself.
My question is should I put a silicon grease into this gasket or just put it "dry"?


Best Regards Tom

very small amount at the 4 cam plugs. cmg

Hey CMG. thanks for response,
I bought today some new tools so I hope job will go much easier.

Did ya check you plugs while you were in that area???? I always try to take care of whatever is in that area I`m working in so I don`t need to go back there later...Especially those PITA area`s....

I tried RTV the last time on both sides. So far so good. I also used RTV around the hold down bolts as it seemed like most of my seepage was wicking up between the bolts and grommets.

I was sure that everything is ok, I put a bit o silicon on those circles,
but on one side of engine (on head corner) it get leaked.
I will take double care now to do it right.

i just did my rocker gasket on my 2000 zx12 i would use all new gromets around bolts and not use any silicone,and yea change your plugs at the same time,much easier with everything out of the way!

copper seal stay away from silicone. it breaks down too easily

I used Ultra Copper as per KZScotts (I believe it was him anyways) recommendation in a previous thread, and low n behold, the damn thing is leaking again. Under 6k this time. Last gasket was rock hard when I took it out and cracking...dunno this time. Ain't dug into it yet. May have to and check the valves again as long as I'm in there...

i know a dealers mechanic will say use nothing no silicone no copper or anything

I never use anything with the ones I`ve replaced and never leak....Maybe lucky...But I really clean the surfaces spotless on head and cover....JMO....

thats what im sayin

did mine last spring... cleaned everything up good and went back together
with all new stuff... didnt use any dope at all...
still dry as a bone
and like the other guy said , its a good time to put a fresh set of plugs and do the block off thing...
you can check your valve clearances while you are in there as well , if you are into that...

Hey thank You Guys for all advices.
I will change oil also so I will clean everything very good.
Valves are ok I set it u after head milled about month ago.

Excellent deal.....Glad it all worked out....I HATE OIL LEAKS.....

X2....
If you do it right the first time and don`t have a warped out cover all will be leak free.....