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Best rocker cover gasket?
https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=42784		 Page 2 of 2
Author:  '67 Dart 270 [ Mon Jan 13, 2014 11:02 am ]
Post subject:  real gaskets
My off cover was (really) warped, so I glued two of the real gaskets together with high temp RTV, then glued the resulting "extra thick" gasket to the valve cover. Nothing on the other side where it mates with the head, and makes a great seal to the head, no leaks. If your valve cover is nice and straight you'd only need one, and I'd imagine the rubber ones are good as well. The real gaskets are pure silicone, so they don't lose their shape over time.

One of my bags said "slant six" on it, but it was clearly a Chevy straight six gasket. The folks there were really nice and promptly sent a replacement for the misbagged item.

bg
Author:  zorg [ Thu Jan 16, 2014 3:17 pm ]
Post subject: 
I had my Dart in a shop getting an alignment this morning, and the fellow in there is a long time automotive and motorcycle mechanic. He was telling me the problem with silicone gaskets is that they swell when in contact with oil. So while they work well, they are a one-time use item. I told him I had proof of that, as mine had stretched 3/4" when I pulled the valve cover to adjust the valves. I've been in contact with Real Gaskets about it, but have yet to see the replacement they promised (two months ago). My 8 3/4" differential gasket stretched as well, but was still barely reusable. I think I'll be sticking with the cheap cork or rubber gaskets from now on...
Author:  Will [ Sat Jan 18, 2014 7:26 am ]
Post subject: 
Mine real gaskets, valve cover gasket, lasted over three years before I destroyed it ( cleaned with degreaser not soap and water). It was on and off more times than could be counted.

But hours on the engine could probably be measured in minutes. The oil pan gasket is still good. Maybe we need to consider these as a race only.
I will give a set a test on the street when the car is ready.

I always get great service when I call them.

Will
Author:  Danarchy [ Sat Jan 18, 2014 7:59 am ]
Post subject: 
I don't know about race only :lol: , I have had a set of valve cover gaskets and an oil pan gasket on my 1978 R100S BMW motorcycle since 1987(?), too many valve adjustments to count, I always washed with dishwashing soap and have never had any problems with Real Gaskets.
I bought a Valve cover gasket and a 904 trans pan gasket, I have had the valve cover off a few times with no problem and I haven't put the trans pan gasket on yet.(waiting for deep pan with a drain plug first!)
I don't use any synth oils or anything like that, I'm just surprised by Zorg's problems.
Author:  Will [ Sat Jan 18, 2014 8:33 am ]
Post subject: 
Good, that makes me feel better because I recommend real gaskets every chance I get. I feel that I have had great results.
Will
Author:  Aggressive Ted [ Sat Jan 18, 2014 10:02 am ]
Post subject: 
Fel-Pro Rubber.
I wouldn't mind trying a Real Silicone Gasket. Sounds like a good idea! Which they sold them up here.
Author:  Danarchy [ Sat Jan 18, 2014 1:16 pm ]
Post subject: 
Ted- Up Here? I guess I'm down here? I ordered mine through the mail. :lol:
Author:  Greg Ondayko [ Sat Jan 18, 2014 3:47 pm ]
Post subject: 
I ordered a set of realgaskets for both the valve cover and oil pan...

I have not put it on the car yet... hopefully soon.


Greg
Author:  '67 Dart 270 [ Sat Jan 18, 2014 6:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Silicone gaskets...
Hmm...I am also intrigued by Zorg's swelling silicone gaskets.

As it happens, I have a Ph.D. in organic chemistry. Silicone rubber has outstanding resistance to oil, even at high temperatures. It also has excellent resistance to solvents and other chemicals generally. Anything polar, like alcohols or dilute acids or bases, might swell it 10-15% by volume, but that would still fit the valve tin. Non-polar solvents like gasoline or benzene will swell silicone much more but it does not decompose or dissolve, it will return to its former shape and size when the solvent exposure is removed.

Zorg, any chance you washed your gaskets in gasoline? Any chance you have washdown, and your oil has gasoline in it? Silicone gaskets should not swell to any appreciable extent in oil, only light-weight organics like gasoline, light machine oils, etc. will swell it.

bg
Author:  '67 Dart 270 [ Sat Jan 18, 2014 6:35 pm ]
Post subject:  follow up question...
Zorg, are you by chance using "high mileage" oil? These oils have additives that are specifically designed to swell gaskets....
Author:  zorg [ Tue Jan 21, 2014 6:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Silicone gaskets...
Quote:
Hmm...I am also intrigued by Zorg's swelling silicone gaskets.

As it happens, I have a Ph.D. in organic chemistry.
As merely a self-taught shade tree mechanic, I'm led to believe you on this matter! Engine is quite healthy, no gas in the oil. The silicone gasket was only wiped down with a damp rag, no solvents. Oil is always standard issue 10W30, no snake oil additives or anything funky. Here are a couple pictures of the offending gasket.

Image

With a Fel Pro for reference:
Image
Author:  64ragtop [ Tue Jan 21, 2014 9:20 pm ]
Post subject: 
I understand that the gasket fit and sealed well when new, then swelled in use and has not returned to original size. Have you called the company and explained this? Maybe they got a bad batch of silicone??

I never hesitate to check with a company when something doesn't perform as advertised. I think of it as a service to the company and their customers.
If nobody lets them know of a problem, they can't take steps to fix it.

BC
Author:  robertob [ Tue Jan 21, 2014 9:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
I ran one (a Real Gaskets valve cover gasket) for 20,000 miles or so on the street with no issue. I recently took the same gasket off my stock engine, washed it with dish detergent and plan to install it on my hot rod motor. It doesn't seem to have changed sizes...
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