I replaced my valve cover gaskets and cam tensioner seals a couple months ago. Still, the car is smoking and leaking oil, and I've been wondering why that would be.

I realized recently that when I did the gaskets, I didn't wait for the silicon sealant to dry. In fact, like an idiot, I put it back together, took it off the ramps, and immediately went driving around.

Two questions:

1. Would driving right after reassembly, without letting the sealant dry/cure, cause it to blow past the sealant and leak?

2. Is it possible to reopen the cover, reapply sealant, and let it cure now? Or (and I think this is the answer) will I need to get a whole new gasket set and start over?

BTW, I used Permatex HI-Temp RTV Gasket Maker (not "Gasket Sealant") - was that a bad choice?

Thanks!

Justin

 

I hate all that stuff , a piece breaks off and goes into your engine and blocks a journal your engine is toast. That being said you should be able to remove the cover and redo it . Just clen your cover and gaskets thorughly with brake cleaner to remove any residue. like most things a good job is in the prep work

 

The gaskets should be put on dry after wiping ALL the mating surfaces with acetone or lacquer thinner to completely degrease them and leave NO residue. Like Iceman, I never use RTV on engines unless there is absolutely no choice. Since the valve covers on the newer models are plastic, I would go easy on the solvents so not to melt them.I don't like glue of any kind. If you are blowing a lot of oil past the gaskets, be sure the breather system is clear, you may be getting crankcase pressure that is causing this.

 

For cam chain tensioner seal, use anaerobic sealant. Not silicone stuff...