Topic: Using sealent instead of gasket for valve cover???

[killersoundz]

Want to say that I'm not trying to do this myself. I wouldn't consider such blasphemy!

However I went and looked at a bike today (in winter acquisition mode) and the guy said some guy gave the bike to him for doing work on his car. He said the PO "did the piston rings". Upon closer inspection I noticed goo oozing out of the valve cover gasket. So they used like RTV or whatever sealant for a valve cover gasket instead of an actual gasket. I was scared away at this point by a molested motor with apparent shotty work. I could always fix it but I just got bad vibes about it.

Anyway couldn't this sealant break off in pieces inside and clog up oil feeds or returns and cause other problems? It was oozing out pretty heavily on the outside so it would be on the inside as well. Just curious what others think about that.

[jason41987]

i would have to say the answer would be yes.. now i cant say i have experience with this because ive never done it.. but if its oozing out on the outside, then its likely oozing out on the inside too.. that would be my thought.. and also, why ive never done it... i do have a place that sells sheets of various gasket materials that i would rather cut a new gasket myself with if i needed one that badly and couldnt find one... but i would never do this

[dave500]

with the groove well cleaned ive run a neat bead of rtv that mimicks the rubber gasket,let it harden before you fit it,dont glue the cover on with it!