Replacing cylinder head side cover gaskets...a question

[Fred Clark]

I am about to replace Cylinder Head Side Cover gaskets (o-rings) on front/left and back/right of motor.

Question: Do I need to use any type of gasket sealer (i.e., Permatex) when I
re-bolt the side covers. I see just a tiny bit of what look likes to be old gasket sealer of some kind between the cover and engine block, but I am not sure.

BTW, here is the breakdown on the costs of repair:

First went to the Acura dealer, for two Cylinder Gaskets (Part #: 12332-PH7-003), they wanted $51.48 ($25.74 each)

Then went to my import specialty parts store and bought a set of Beck-Arnley (Part #: BA036-1347) Valve Cover Gaskets for $12.95

They might even be cheaper online, but I don't use plastic.

CAUTION: At first, the parts store wanted t sell me a "universal" gasket set but upon close inspection and comparison with the OEM gaskets, the gaskets did not have the same "indents" at the bolt holes. These may leak.

Anyway, if you have done this recently, did you use a sealant of any kind?

If so, do I need to stay clear of silicone based products, etc.?

Thanks, as always!!

[l4zy415]

I used Hondabond to hold the gasket in place when putting the side covers back on. It's impossible to put it on without sealant since it'll just fall right off.

[stephen]

Originally Posted by l4zy415

I used Hondabond to hold the gasket in place when putting the side covers back on. It's impossible to put it on without sealant since it'll just fall right off.

I did the same thing but used blue RTV. Use just a little along the grove the o-ring fits in to hold it in place.

[Tippey]

Originally Posted by l4zy415

I used Hondabond to hold the gasket in place when putting the side covers back on. It's impossible to put it on without sealant since it'll just fall right off.

Thats not true

its just the biggest pain in the ass

i managed to get it on in about a half hour. By that i mean the cover was on the ground and i kept trying to live it up without it falling off for a half hour lol.

[Ophidian]

HondaBond!

[ochn77]

you need dental tools, carb cleaner and it helps to do the job w/ the motor out of the car, if you're not going to use any rtv or honda bond. and you still need those tools if you're going to expect a great seal even with rtv. but when i seal a rubber seal, the mating surfaces have been extremely tediously cleaned so the rubber gets a nice seal on the clean metal.

rtv'ing a rubber gasket is usually done when it's an old gasket and you're reusing it, or a couple of other situations like what James said, where you need it to stay in place while you torque it. in that case sometimes you can actually just put only a few spots of the hondabond so it hold it, but you're still getting just a rubber seal.

orings can use rtv when reusing them as well, but in general, i've found that a very clean and brightly shined with carb cleaner metal surface is best when it comes to rubber gaskets.... and mainly only for this reason. if you use Hondabond or rtv, yes you well get a good seal, but you can't take the part off on a regular basis without completely recleaning the mating surfaces.

trust me, i've never had a seal leak that i've done. rtv's great, but i typically leave it off brand spankin new rubber gaskets and orings because they do great without it too.

[Fred Clark]

Originally Posted by ochn77

you need dental tools, carb cleaner and it helps to do the job w/ the motor out of the car, if you're not going to use any rtv or honda bond. and you still need those tools if you're going to expect a great seal even with rtv. but when i seal a rubber seal, the mating surfaces have been extremely tediously cleaned so the rubber gets a nice seal on the clean metal.

rtv'ing a rubber gasket is usually done when it's an old gasket and you're reusing it, or a couple of other situations like what James said, where you need it to stay in place while you torque it. in that case sometimes you can actually just put only a few spots of the hondabond so it hold it, but you're still getting just a rubber seal.

orings can use rtv when reusing them as well, but in general, i've found that a very clean and brightly shined with carb cleaner metal surface is best when it comes to rubber gaskets.... and mainly only for this reason. if you use Hondabond or rtv, yes you well get a good seal, but you can't take the part off on a regular basis without completely recleaning the mating surfaces.

trust me, i've never had a seal leak that i've done. rtv's great, but i typically leave it off brand spankin new rubber gaskets and orings because they do great without it too.

You are not serious about taking the motor out fo the car; I mean you are stating this tongue in cheek, right?

Dental tools? A fine sense of wit but totally disconcerting......

[stephen]

Originally Posted by Fred Clark

You are not serious about taking the motor out fo the car; I mean you are stating this tongue in cheek, right?

Dental tools? A fine sense of wit but totally disconcerting......

I'm sure he's joking.

It isn't really a big deal to replace those gaskets. I would use a little RTV
(the blue kind is OK) to hold the gaskets in place. Then just put them back in and reinstall the bolts. Don't overtighten the bolts ( ~10 ft-lbs or less). Notice there are arrows indicating the up direction. Also clean all the oil off the gasket surfaces with something like lacquer thinner or brake clean. That's about it.

[sam o nela]

Yes.

But it is also commonly recommended that you put sealant anywhere there is a corner or bend when doing gaskets on pretty much any car....

[Tippey]

The gasket i had was not formed for the shape

It was round and in the shape of a circle

i had to push it into all of the little hold down things and then mate it up quickly before it fell apart. I finally got it and i felt accomplished.