Cylinder base gaskets, use sealant or place dry?

[GIBSON]

Just wondering what you guys have experienced regarding whether or not to use loctite case sealant on the cylinder base gasket (case to barrel seal). I've heard opinions both ways and have used it in the past. If it's used, it seems critical that you keep the barrel firmly against the case as moving it would
destroy the seal you've tried to create. Any ideas?
The engine is my 73 S

Bruce Herrmann

[john walker's workshop]

in the past, i've used aviation permatex (camel snot), but it's kind of messy. spray K+W Coppercoat works well. i also use it on the gray gaskets because it's just a bit more security against seepage. (not the valve cover gaskets though).

[GIBSON]

Thanks John, I'm going to look for the K/W Coppercoat in the local parts houses. I'm assuming you mean cam cover housing grey gaskets etc.
Bruce

[Superman]

I think John means gaskets like the one between the chain housing and the case, or between the chain housing and the chain housing cover plate. I think he's recommending that since the valve covers are removed each 3000 miles (in theory), they should not be coated with sticky stuff. Just guessing though. Only John speaks for John.

[john walker's workshop]

the VC gaskets should never be coated with sealer or whoever does the next valve adjust will kill you. so it might be suicidal.

[GIBSON]

That's what I assumed, the gaskets other than valve cover, i.e. the breather cover gasket, chain housings etc.
Any reason to try the multi-use valve cover gaskets? How are they for leaks?

[nhromyak]

Superman,

Do you take the valves covers off every 3000 miles???

I take off valve covers and adjust valves ~ 10k miles.

Is there another reason for taking off valve covers?