Tips for Installing Press-in-Place Valve Cover Gaskets | Fel-Pro Gaskets

Summary

John Gurnig, a master certified technician from Fell Pro, discusses installing press and place valve cover gaskets, spark plug tube seals, and valve cover grommets. He emphasizes the importance of clean sealing surfaces and proper part orientation. Gurnig demonstrates how to correctly position gaskets, avoid common mistakes, and use tools for tube seal installation. He also covers replacing grommets and applying RTV silicone to seal imperfect areas, ensuring a professional repair.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Fel-Pro gaskets are designed for the repair environment, ensuring perfect sealing in real-world scenarios.
• 🧰 Each gasket set includes all necessary components, such as gaskets, tube seals, and grommets.
• ⚙️ Always clean and dry sealing surfaces before starting any job and check that the valve covers are in good condition.
• 🔩 Lay the gasket on the valve cover and press it straight down into the groove, avoiding sliding with your thumb to ensure proper alignment.
• 📏 For V-type engines, make sure to distinguish between left and right gaskets and place them accordingly.
• ⚠️ Work in short increments between bolt holes to properly seat the gasket without misalignment.
• 🔩 Spark plug tube seals can either be pressed in place or driven in, depending on the valve cover. Always check the seal’s orientation before installation.
• 🔨 Use a seal driver or a large socket to install the tube seals, ensuring the tapered side faces the tube.
• 🛠️ For valve cover grommets, use a vise and screwdriver to replace them, ensuring the retention features hold the grommet in place.
• 💡 Apply a small dab of RTV in specific areas (such as timing covers or half-moon areas) to seal imperfect surfaces, but avoid using it on the entire gasket to prevent leaks.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of Fel-Pro's valve cover gaskets?

Fel-Pro designs valve cover gaskets specifically for the repair environment to provide a reliable seal, even when dealing with imperfect sealing surfaces typically found in real-world scenarios.

What components are included in a Fel-Pro gasket set?

Fel-Pro gasket sets include all necessary components for a complete repair, such as gaskets, spark plug tube seals, and valve cover grommets, ensuring the technician has everything needed for the job.

What is the recommended procedure before installing a valve cover gasket?

Before installing a valve cover gasket, it is recommended to ensure that all sealing surfaces are clean and dry, and to check the covers for any cracks or damage.

What retention features do Fel-Pro valve cover gaskets incorporate?

Fel-Pro valve cover gaskets incorporate various retention features to help hold the gasket securely in the groove, preventing misalignment during installation.

What should you keep in mind when installing gaskets on V-type engines?

For V-type engines, there may be left and right valve cover gaskets. It's important to lay the gasket onto the covers first and ensure that the correct gasket is used on the corresponding cover.

What is the proper technique for installing a gasket into the groove?

The proper technique is to start at one area and push the gasket straight down into the groove, working in short increments between two points (such as bolt holes). Avoid pushing the gasket along with your thumb, as this can cause misalignment.

How do you install a press-and-place spark plug tube seal?

To install a press-and-place spark plug tube seal, simply push the seal straight down into the groove, making sure it is properly seated.

What should you check before installing tube seals that need to be driven into place?

Before installing tube seals that need to be driven in, check the orientation of the sealing lip. One side is tapered, and this side should face the tube for proper alignment when fitting the cover over the head.

What tools are recommended for installing tube seals?

It is recommended to use a seal driver or a large socket to drive the seal into place to avoid damaging the seal during installation.

How should RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing) sealant be applied in areas requiring additional sealing?

RTV should be applied sparingly as a small dab on the cylinder head in areas with machined surfaces or where different castings meet (e.g., timing cover or cam journals). Avoid applying RTV to the entire gasket, as it can cause excessive compression, leading to gasket failure.