Valve cover gaskets - Silicone bead?

[01sport]

87 carrera 40k. First DIY valve adjustment. Should I use the lower gasket with silicone bead or without?

[randywebb]

sand the covers flat first - search to find more info on this

[bmgmd]

Great low mileage car!

If you have Turbo valve covers, you may not need to sand the covers down (I didn't need to). If you don't have them, I'd recommend them.

Definitely use the beaded gaskets, and definitely use the Backside Method for the adjustment.

[makaio]

Either works fine if your valve covers are true.

[jmohn]

I thought the "newer" cars came with the more rigid ("turbo") covers.

Regardless; on my '78 SC (non-turbo covers) I use the "beaded" gaskets and have no leaks (I guess my covers are flat enough). Equally important (IMHO) is proper tightening of the fasteners, start in the middle of the covers and work your way out alternating top and bottom; do not over tighten, they only require about 6 ft/lb of torque. I admit I do not have a small torque wrench so I use the "twist of the wrist" method; you grab the head of a 1/4" drive ratchet and twist your wrist only (do not use the handle - too much leverage), with a little practice you can get quite consistent. Or get a small, accurate torque wrench and do it right. The whole job (valve adjustment) is more tedious than difficult.

Good luck,

Jerry M
'78 SC

[dweymer]

Even with turbo covers they could have been nicked by a PO. Stick some wet/dry sandpaper on a piece of 1/2" melemaine(sp) that has been prepped for shelves, or aluminum, or a glass table. Lay the cover down, and slide up down, then back and forth. Keep the paper rinsed while doing this.

I thought the other benefit was they could be re-used.