Fel-pro Perma dry killing me!

[C4ME]

I am attempting to replace my valve (stock) covers and, like a good little shade tree mechanic, I am following the instructions that came with the gasket which stated to install them dry. Now, when I stretch them over the track in the cover and just get them ready to place on the head, the little boogers pop off!!!!

What do I do! Break ranks and put adhesive on em?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JonM]

I usually use a little RTV to hold them in place while installing.

 

[wallyknoch]

I am attempting to replace my valve (stock) covers and, like a good little shade tree mechanic, I am following the instructions that came with the gasket which stated to install them dry. Now, when I stretch them over the track in the cover and just get them ready to place on the head, the little boogers pop off!!!!

What do I do! Break ranks and put adhesive on em?

Thanks in advance.

Heres a method that never fails and the gaskets hardly ever need to be replaced. That is you can safely re-use them over and over. You will probably need a new set to do this as the first set is now probably all smeared up with some whatever type of goop. Clean out the overhead covers down to the bare metal again. Use 3M weather stripping cement. #8001 I believe, comes in both yellow and black. Place the cement all around the gasket surface of the valve cover. Let it set up for a few minutes and then place the gasket into the cover. Take anything to hold the gasket firmly in place. Let it completely dry. Guaranteed not to fall out of the cover or move when you tip it over to install. Take any kind of grease, ie {wheel bearing or a similar grease will work} and go over the gasket surface completely. This will prevent the gasket from sticking to the head for easy future removal. The type of gasket material is not really relevant, but I prefer the cork/rubber mixture gasket materials. On all of our stock {L88`s, LS7`s" ect.} and on my gas and nitro racing engines, the same procedure is used.

Note, make sure the valve cover gasket surface is flat and not bent up.

 

[Hrtbeat1]

I really like the Perma-dry gaskets. New ones always get a O-ring lube rub down wipe off with a lint free cloth. You just gotta make sure the surfaces are CLEAN. I use a wire brush and brake parts cleaner on the lip of the valve cover. The thing about the stock valve covers are the corners. The gasket bunches up if you stretch the gasket at the corner and stuff it in the lip of the cover it helps. Then turn it over and let it sit on a flat clean surface while you do the other. Gives it time to "relax" ... dunno' works for me.

FWIW the Moroso (wide centerbolt alum) have extra cover material in the corners ... the Perma-dry's fit perfect.