Valve cover gaskets
03-02-2003, 05:17 AM
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Valve cover gaskets
This is a more general question:
Why do valve cover gaskets never seem to last very long?
Is this a design or a material issue? It doesn't seem to make sense at a time when the valves themselves don't need to be serviced anymore.
Most cars I've owned developed valve cover gasket leaks sooner or later - except of course the Mazda RX-7.
My current cars both had them done. I used to own an '89 Ford Probe (Mazda engine), which needed one about every year...
Why do valve cover gaskets never seem to last very long?
Is this a design or a material issue? It doesn't seem to make sense at a time when the valves themselves don't need to be serviced anymore.
Most cars I've owned developed valve cover gasket leaks sooner or later - except of course the Mazda RX-7.
My current cars both had them done. I used to own an '89 Ford Probe (Mazda engine), which needed one about every year...
03-02-2003, 10:42 AM
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Nicole-
When I cleaned up my Cam Covers about 2 years ago, I had to replace all of the gaskets at that time (felt it was best to re-new, even though I had no leakage at the time). I still have no leaks, but keep in mind that there is a transistion area on the heads that requires a special sealant (locktite #?).
Anyway, maybe the sealant wasn't used??? Also, those little plastic caps are just held in by the covers/bolts and have a modification out there that uses pins to set them in there respective slots for better sealing.
When I cleaned up my Cam Covers about 2 years ago, I had to replace all of the gaskets at that time (felt it was best to re-new, even though I had no leakage at the time). I still have no leaks, but keep in mind that there is a transistion area on the heads that requires a special sealant (locktite #?).
Anyway, maybe the sealant wasn't used??? Also, those little plastic caps are just held in by the covers/bolts and have a modification out there that uses pins to set them in there respective slots for better sealing.
03-02-2003, 10:55 AM
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That usually isn't much of a problem with the cam covers on the 928.
On other cars, the OEM valve cover gaskets usually last pretty well - the problems often start after the first replacement. As the old saying goes, there is nothing that someone cannot make and sell more cheaply. Aftermarket parts vary greatly in quality. You can buy very good valve cover gaskets that will last for quite a while, or you can buy cheap ones that will last one or two years.
Another old saying is "You get what you pay for", but I don't think that is true. "You never get more than you pay for - you may not get as much, but you never get more" seems to be more accurate.
Some shops routinely use the best that they can get, some shops use the cheapest. Most shops will let you decide, if you know to demand what you want.
On other cars, the OEM valve cover gaskets usually last pretty well - the problems often start after the first replacement. As the old saying goes, there is nothing that someone cannot make and sell more cheaply. Aftermarket parts vary greatly in quality. You can buy very good valve cover gaskets that will last for quite a while, or you can buy cheap ones that will last one or two years.
Another old saying is "You get what you pay for", but I don't think that is true. "You never get more than you pay for - you may not get as much, but you never get more" seems to be more accurate.
Some shops routinely use the best that they can get, some shops use the cheapest. Most shops will let you decide, if you know to demand what you want.
