Timing Chain Cover Sealant???

pnzr911 · 03-20-2002, 12:42 PM

About to upgrade my chain tensioners to Carrera. Gaskets for the timing chain covers came with the kit. Do I need to use sealant as well? What kind should I use? Thanks in advance!!

lagoon · 03-20-2002, 01:38 PM

You should not need any sealant. just make sure all the old gasket material is off and clean the surface. 81'SC

Superman · 03-20-2002, 01:40 PM

You won't enjoy removing them if you put sealant on them. I don't put sealant on mine. The real trick here is to not put the mounting nuts on too tight. If you do, you will be inviting leaks. So, put those nuts on, like Warren says, about 6-7 lb/ft. Then if one of the covers does start leaking, tighten it just a tad bit more.

pnzr911 · 03-20-2002, 03:30 PM

Thanks guys for the input!!!

GIBSON · GIBSON's Garage

I agree with no sealant on the valve covers in my opinion it's a little different with the chain box covers. It's not really a maintenance area so you don't count on removing them regularly like you do the valve covers. I've always used curil-T on those covers with good luck. Now I'm thinking of trying what JW recommends, I think it's KW copper gasket sealant (I could be wrong, correct me JW). Always torqued to 6lbs. Those 6mm studs will strip easily.
Just my experience.

Bruce Herrmann

john walker's workshop · 03-20-2002, 06:09 PM

i use the coppercoat on the gray gaskets, but never on the valve cover gaskets. they say to put them on dry, as the gray coating is the sealer, but after seeing most of them seep after a while, you gotta try something, and so far the coppercoat seems to work.

SteveT · 03-20-2002, 08:14 PM

On gaskets. This may sound foolish, but has anyone coated them with oil before installing them - and does or would it help. I do that with my oil filter O rings they never leak. I know it is a different animal but it may work. Any one try it? Steve '81SC

Jim Smolka · 03-21-2002, 04:22 AM

On the chain boxes, I have used Loctite 518. Work for me, but there may be better stuff.

GIBSON · GIBSON's Garage

The reason I like to use a gasket sealant on the chain boxes is that they are the lowest point on the engine other that the sump plate itself. So, oil sits there most of the time and that's where leaks are going to develop. There are probably several gasket sealants that will work. I think the key is a really clean surface before placing the gasket/sealant. I like to wipe down the surface with acetone prior to placing anything. That removes the old crud already there and dries very quickly.