leaky rocker covers

Will98D · 06-24-2002, 08:23 AM

Replaced the pushrod tube seals, helped but didn't stop the oil leaks (only not running the car does that!). I suspected that the valve covers were leaking (new PP gaskets last fall) so I removed one. It hadn't slipped out of place, but I noticed depressions in a few spots, so I looked at the head. Where there is a radiused cutout for the rocker to move near the edge of the head the aluminum was raised up quite a but... perhaps 2 - 2.5mm, like someone had put a hard round tool into that radius and rolled it displacing the metal upwards. I smoothed the metal as best as I could, cleaned the gasket and head with brake cleaner, and then I use black RTV to 'bond' the valve cover to the head. It seemed to slow the leak even more, but it still leaks. Has anyone ever seen this kind of damage to the heads? Are regular cork gaskets better to use (the PP gasket seemed harder than most and maybe wouldn't seal as easy to an uneven surface)?

BenI · 06-24-2002, 08:39 AM

I have found the cork type gaskets much easier to seal. I have run the black rubber ones but found I had to seal them with RTV to slow/stop leaks. The cork gaskets I use without RTV and have no trouble.

seventythree · 06-24-2002, 09:02 AM

I second the recommendation for the cork gaskets. I trired everything to seal the dark colored ones to no avail. Finally, I glued the natural corks gaskets to the valve covers using Gasgasinch and haven't had any trouble since.

karlp · 06-24-2002, 09:35 AM

I've had better luck with the cork ones also. I glue the gasket to the valve cover and then put a little sealent on the gasket. Very sparingly!!
I read on this forum that the covers should be installed with the VW logo upside down. No idea why, but I did last time and they don't leak last time I checked. A couple of push rod tubes though....

Karl P

John Rogers · 06-24-2002, 12:03 PM

I battled leaky gaskets for over a year on my race car, even wrote an article on modifying the valve covers so the gasket won't creap or blow out. I finally bought a set of the Type 4 CB alloy bolt-on valve covers and have had NO more problems! They use a C shaped gasket that fits over the edge of the cover and a nice wide flat surface on the head. If you don't try these, make sure the head seating surface is flat and true, the gasket surface on the cover is also flat, glue the gaskets to the cover first and let dry, bend the bale wire so you have lots of pressure and make sure everything is very clean when assembling! Good luck.

Will98D · 06-25-2002, 10:51 AM

thanks for the feedback; I'm still suspicious of the raised metal around the rocker reliefs. I ordered the Felpro cork set down the street during lunchtime today... if it works (as my British friend says) I'll be 'happy as a dog with two d*cks'.

mike95125 · 06-26-2002, 01:18 PM

A friend of a friend who worked on old VWs fro like 20 years told me that the trick was to put grease (I used moly cv grease) on the cork type gaskets and then just install. I have done this and have had no leaks from the covers.
Just my .01
-Mike

mr914 · 07-05-2002, 09:56 AM

I've had problems with the bolt on style in the past.

I use Indian Gasket Compound (available at most any auto parts stores for under 2 bucks) And treat only the side of the gasket that comes in contact with the valve cover.

No more leaks since I learned that trick.

Jake Raby · 07-05-2002, 02:14 PM

Their is an "Upside down" way to install the valve covers.....the VW logo always goes on UPSIDE DOWN, else a leak is possible...

I use loctite 518 on valve covers, they will NEVER leak.