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Do Rubber Valve Cover Gaskets Need Sealant? (Explained)

Rubber valve cover gaskets are usually used to keep things in a fitting position. Other than that also allows the oil not to leak. If it doesn’t work properly, the oil will leak. In order to prevent the linkage, you need to put it tightly.

Following our tips regarding rubber valve gaskets needing sealant and related information may give you a clear view.

Do rubber valve cover gaskets need sealant?

Absolutely not, rubber valve cover gaskets do not need sealant. Rubbers are elastic. You just need to tighten them if it becomes loose. Instead of putting sealant, fix it in place. That’s how it will not leak. If you still want to put sealant, you can use RTV sealant. Yet not necessary to use.

Rubber is an elastic material. The rubber cover gasket is also soft and elastic. If you pull it more, it will become loose. Meanwhile, if you keep it on a gasket, it will create its own shape according to it.

You just need to fix it in place. It will automatically get the shape. Also, it will not be affected by any circumstances. Some may want to use sealant for better protection. But it is not necessary.

Even though you do not use sealant, it will still get on the place. Moreover, it will not create leakage. As you may know, it is not easy to create leakage on the elastic. So it is on the rubber.

Well, when rubber valve covers gasket get loosened, you can directly replace them. Instead, applying a seal may not work effectively.

Lastly, it doesn’t matter if you use a sealant or not. If you have confusion, you can use sealant. Yet certainly, you do not need to use sealant on rubber valve cover gaskets.

A reason why do rubber valve cover gaskets do not need sealant

Rubber valve cover gaskets do not require sealant. Though you can put sealant if you want. Better not, as once the rubber gasket becomes unusable, it should be replaced immediately.

The reasons why rubber valve cover gaskets do not need any sealant is described a bit below –

Groove:

The rubber valve cover gasket has a certain place for itself. One just needs to put the rubber gasket on the groove. Grooves are like holes. A specific hole where you should put the rubber gasket.

One needs to press it a bit to put the rubber gasket on the groove. Groove easily holds the gasket in a place without making any change. As temperature affects the gasket, it may expand or contract.

Even though it does, a slight change will occur within the groove. As a result, it will not affect the whole. One can put sealant if they want only on the turning points, not all over. Lastly, putting sealant is not necessary.

Should I use RTV on the valve cover gasket?

You can use RTV on the valve cover gaskets yet only on the corners. You should not use RTV all over the gasket.

Well, valve cover gaskets don’t require sealant. It can freely work without it. The sealant may seal the gaskets and prevent the leakage of oil. The gasket itself melts a little bit to provide a seal. That’s why it is not necessary to put RTV on it.

Even though some may want to put it on for better confirmation, while using it, it should be applied on the corners gently in a small amount. It is also said that it can increase the torque after turning orange.

That’s why many may not suggest using it. Yet if you use a tiny amount of it, it will not affect more than sealing the valve cover gasket.

Rtv will tighten the gasket covers and will work like a seal that would prevent oil leakage. Even if you do not apply RTV, the gasket will still remain good. You can also apply other sealants if you want to.

Summing up, using RTV may give you mental peace, as it would prevent leakage and hold the gasket in place. Still, it is not highly appreciated using RTV.

How do you seal a rubber gasket?

The rubber gasket doesn’t need a sealer as it works completely fine without sealant. Yet if someone wants to put sealant, they can. The below step may help you work further.

Clean the surface:

The sealing surface should always be cleaned. Otherwise, the sealant will seal the dust in it too. Apart from that, also make sure the rubber gasket is fine. It doesn’t have cracks or torn apart.

Buy a new one if necessary. Once you put the rubber gasket on, you will immediately know it doesn’t need sealant. Still, a sealant may give you extra security.

Put sealant:

Take your desired sealant to seal the rubber gasket valve cover. Well, the sealant is required in certain parts like edges where it makes a turn or half-moon places.

You should first take the rubber gasket and put the sealant a little bit on the back. Do not apply sealant all over the gasket. It doesn’t do any good. Only take a little amount and put it on the sides where required.

Place it in the groove:

The rubber gasket has a place to sit. That’s why the rubber gasket doesn’t require any sealant. You can just put it on the groove, and it will be fixed. No hassle, no worry.

After applying the seal, put the gasket on the groove. Press from the upside instead of putting thumbs through it. If it doesn’t contain a groove, you can seal it like this too. Just hold it in place. Make sure to even the rubber gasket.

What is the best sealant for a rubber valve cover?

RTV is known as the best sealant for the rubber valve cover. Well, a rubber valve cover gasket doesn’t require sealant.

Even some may prefer putting sealant if there are uneven places like turns. One can put it on the rubber gasket cover. Yet, a small quantity of it is applicable. Otherwise, it will create torque or even have an impact on the motion.

Rubber gaskets also may expand on a contract according to the temperature. Temperature is a big factor here. Even though it is a slight change, still has an impact on the overall performance. That’s why do not apply more quantity of RTV on it even though it is the best.

Should I use a gasket sealer?

Necessarily, you do not need to use a gasket sealer if you are using modern designed gaskets. Yet if yours is an old-designed gasket, you may require sealant.

Modern gaskets don’t need sealant as the gasket itself fills up the gap by melting a bit. You don’t need to put sealant here. If you want to, you can. In either case, it doesn’t affect the gasket.

Meanwhile, old designed gaskets may require sealant. Before fixing the cover, put a sealant on the corners to prevent future leakages. It will also hold the gasket in place. It is a must-use here.

Yet in a newly designed gasket will work perfectly even though you do not put sealant.

How does silicone sealant affect rubber?

Silicone sealant doesn’t harm rubber. Silicone sealant is known as a stronger sealant that easily connects any part.

On the other hand, rubbers are also not affected by chemicals so often. Yet, one should not use chemical adhesives on rubber. Silicone sealant will not do any worse. Instead, keep the rubber attached to the surface.

Rubber doesn’t even require a sealant as it can itself contract to hold its shape. Yet silicone sealant will provide surety. A little amount of silicone sealant is suggested as it can have an impact on overall performance. Other than that, it doesn’t affect rubber in harmful ways.

Do I need to use gasket sealant on valve covers?

Absolutely not. You do not need to use gasket sealant on valve covers. The gasket itself ensures its place.

The sealant will only make sure to hold the gasket in place. The gasket can do it by itself without the help of the sealant. Still, if anyone feels like sealant is required, they can apply it. Applying sealant is not prohibited.

Yet should apply a small amount. Otherwise, it is not necessary to apply.

Final thoughts:

To sum up, the rubber gasket valve cover doesn’t need sealant. Because it itself can change its shape and hold itself in a certain place. Even though sealant will hold it more tightly. The rubber gasket itself can do it more effectively. Still, you can put a bit of sealant as it is not restricted.