Cam Tower Gasket Question

[ColoradoSteve]

Hi Guys,
Got my Cam Housing off, cleaned up and am ready to install new gasket. I should know the answer to this, being it's the 2nd time I've done this procedure. Anyhow, I can't remember if I'm supposed to use some gasket sealer or just put the thing on dry?? Can't seem to find any info on this...
Thanx!!

[Catamax944]

Originally it's supposed to go dry but seems many people have problems with them,when installed dry they start leaking after some time.
Seems that using gasket sealer works well .
Here are a few posts about it ,follow the links Cam tower gasket positive karma request - Rennlist Discussion Forums

[jcommin]

The paper gasket is a low grade gasket material. I almost agree with Catamax: using a sealant instead. I would like to see a better gasket material.

[Ga 951]

I put mine on dry a couple years ago. So long as the mating surfaces are smooth, no prob. If they got scarred up, I would use some sealant.

[mattdavis11]

I've done both, we shall see if the permatex copper sealant protects against a fiery result this time. Both gaskets were/are Reinz.

[Catamax944]

Originally Posted by jcommin

The paper gasket is a low grade gasket material. I almost agree with Catamax: using a sealant instead. I would like to see a better gasket material.

Lindsey makes a rubber coated steel gasket but i've read that it's not any better than the paper version ,still develops leaks.
Sealant should be used on the paper gasket and not sealant alone.

[ColoradoSteve]

Got some Loctite 574 to replace the cork gasket on rear, can I (should I)use this on the paper gasket as well? Also I'm wondering about re-using the 8x35 bolts ( 15) or should I pay the outrageous $5.75 each ?
Thanks all for your help!

[jeffrsmith]

If I were using a sealant I would use Hylomar - non-hardening and oil does not effect it - much easier to clean-up if you need to take it apart, it also seals well.

[PorscheChef]

Just to through my 2 cents in...
Before you reattach the cover, use some cotton swabs to clean the oil out of the holes where the bolts go on the bottom. I know someone who didn't do this and some oil dripped into them and what he thought was tight really wasn't. Of coure the gasket leaked right away. This might be common practice for a lot of you, but I'm just putting it out.
Also- I have used the metal gaskets from Lindsey without any problems, but then I only upgrade to the kevlar timing belts on too.