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> Valve Cover gaskets, Glue or grease ?
jim_hoyland
post Jun 17 2026, 07:28 AM
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Should new valve cover gaskets be glued or set in a film of grease ?


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76-914
post Jun 17 2026, 07:30 AM
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I didn't use either Jim. I did weld in some tabs to keep them from slipping though. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
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VaccaRabite
post Jun 17 2026, 07:47 AM
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A THIN film of RTV on the valve cover side of the gasket only. DO NOT glue the gasket to the head!

This will keep the gasket in place during install and will allow the gasket to be used for years instead of replaced at every oil change.

Zach
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jim_hoyland
post Jun 17 2026, 08:46 AM
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Like this ?


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FlacaProductions
post Jun 17 2026, 08:52 AM
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I use gasketcinch on the cover side and some grease (swepco 101) on the head side.
This keeps the gasket in place and after the bale is snapped in place you can slide the cover around a little and make sure it is seated well.

Also-make sure the VW logo is upside down - or at least put them back on the way they came off.

https://a.co/d/07Kgna1S
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rfinegan
post Jun 17 2026, 10:24 AM
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both
a little contact spay to hold to gasket to cover and a dab or grease on the side the goes on the head
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jim_hoyland
post Jun 17 2026, 10:57 AM
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(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Thanks.
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brant
post Jun 17 2026, 11:03 AM
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I put them in dry

Usually about 3 uses each gasket

Just changed them and did valves yesterday
Reused the dry gaskets
Test drive this morning and no leaks
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930cabman
post Jun 17 2026, 11:57 AM
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QUOTE(brant @ Jun 17 2026, 11:03 AM) *

I put them in dry

Usually about 3 uses each gasket

Just changed them and did valves yesterday
Reused the dry gaskets
Test drive this morning and no leaks


you have better luck than me, I use a non drying sealant on both side of the gasket. it's a simple cleanup when next time comes around
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URY914
post Jun 17 2026, 07:01 PM
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What does Jake recommend? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
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Dave_Darling
post Jun 17 2026, 11:04 PM
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I put dots of RTV goop in the corners to make sure the gasket doesn't move around on the cover.

--DD
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JamesM
post Jun 17 2026, 11:07 PM
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QUOTE(FlacaProductions @ Jun 17 2026, 06:52 AM) *

I use gasketcinch on the cover side



(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

Either nothing or gasketcinch.

One of the big problems I have with silicone is that when the bond lets go even in a small section the slipperiness of it makes it more prone to oil leaks, especially if you have any sort of crankcase pressure. Then there are the issues of it squeezing out, and having to clean it of the cover when you change the gasket.
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L-Jet914
post Jun 18 2026, 01:04 AM
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When I did my push rod tube seals recently, I didn't use any type sealant on either side of the valve cover gaskets. I just bent the little tabs in the valve cover back into position so it held the gasket in place. I also placed the valve covers so the VW logo was upside down after watching Ian Karr's video. Not sure if it really makes a difference. So far so good no new leaks. The valve cover gaskets I used were from 914Rubber and were the slightly thicker versions.
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URY914
post Jun 18 2026, 07:06 PM
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I use the standard cork gaskets and after I put them on the heads I brush on a shitload of FlexSeal. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

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rjames
post Jun 18 2026, 09:20 PM
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Maybe I've just been lucky, but I've never had to put anything on them and they haven't leaked. Using cork gaskets.
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