Valve Cover Gasket

[Scout1067]

Is it common for the cork valve cover gasket to crack?

I have what looks like some oil seepage from the back side of my valve cover gasket and the oil inside the cover is foamy as if there is moisture in it. I am starting to think that the two are related and the gasket has a crack that is allowing moisture into the cover. I have no idea when or if the gasket was replaced but looking at it away from the suspected leak it looks fairly new. Of course, it could be that the PO put it on and either over-tightened the valve cover bolts or used too much RTV where none should be used. My dad has always told me to not use RTV on cork and at most use Vaseline if I need to be sure of a seal on cork.

 

[gert]

man i have the hardest time with cork gaskets, im not sure if they ever crack i cant seem to keep them long enough for that lol

 

[hole]

You may want to look at the FelPro Blue silicon rubber valve cover gasket. A bit more money, but problem will be solved for good.

 

[j6824]

You may want to look at the FelPro Blue silicon rubber valve cover gasket. A bit more money, but problem will be solved for good.

^This...or Right Stuff in lieu of a gasket at all

 

[cglax6]

You may want to look at the FelPro Blue silicon rubber valve cover gasket. A bit more money, but problem will be solved for good.

Yup...

I've never had long term luck with cork gaskets anywhere. I use the felpro blue silicon gaskets for oil pan and valve cover. No more leaky leaky.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Yes-Why I don't use'em.
LG

 

[DaveMueller]

Foam under the cover may not be from the gasket leak, more likely it's a PCV issue or you never really drive it enough to get rid of the moisture.

 

[jzak]

I had to lay down some silicone with the felpro gasket to get a proper seal. The PO stripped the threads in the block, so I have two valve cover bolts that won't tighten down.
Just FYI there's two styles of AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l valve cover gaskets with different bolt patterns being sold on the internet. One thats straight on one side, and the other that's wiggly on both sides. I would take a close look at your valve cover to make sure you don't order the wrong one.
Good Luck!

 

[JimsCJ5]

I had to lay down some silicone with the felpro gasket to get a proper seal. The PO stripped the threads in the block, so I have two valve cover bolts that won't tighten down.

Easy to fix those pulled out threads with an insert. I replaced three on mine.

https://www.mcmaster.com/inserts