Replacing Lower Valve Cover Gasket 1985 911 Targa

[Brian_911]

I'm trying to fix some of the oil leaks on my engine, and the left side lower gasket is the first on my list as it is the worst of the bunch. Looking at Pelican Parts, I see the regular gasket with no fasteners, and I see a silicone bead gasket with all the fasteners as a kit. I don't see an option for just a silicone bead gasket. So a couple of questions:

1. Is the silicone bead gasket that much better?
2. Can I get it without the fasteners?
3. Is there some reason I should replace the nuts and washers?

Thanks,
Brian

[Porsche_monkey]

The fasteners are nylock nuts, they are not supposed to be re-used. They can work loose if you re-use them.

You should do a search on flat valve covers, that's where you need to start.

As for gaskets: I've used the red silicone ones and still had leaks. A bit of hylomar stopped the dripping.

[rick-l]

The oil change kit seemed to be the best value.

[slodave]

As PBH suggested, make sure your valve covers are not warped. Replaced both lowers last Aug/Sept and one day at Willow made them leak - although they were bone dry until then. Checked them last weekend while replacing the gaskets with the red silicone ones and found both to be warped. Flat glass and some 120 and about 10 mins for each and they are flat again.

Had a minor leak this morning on the lower right gasket, but tighten up two nuts a little and it stopped - for now.

Dave