Valve Cover Leaks E6

[Dyna22]

I've had my valve covers and spacers for tecbrake off 5 times now and can't seem to get a seal. Oil just pours out. Are there any tricks to getting this sealed up??

[HK Trucking]

If you have the stamped steel valve covers (E6 2 valve), then it's possible someone overtightened them in the past, causing the covers to become distorted so they do not fit tight against the gaskets even when the bolts are bottomed. If the covers are squashed & distorted, find another set of good ones at a junkyard.

Also, with that setup, do not use silicone gasket sealer on the gaskets because it makes the gaskets slippery, causing the gaskets to "shit out" from under the cover when tightened.

I've found that it works best to set the clean dry valve covers upside down on the bench, apply some 3M weatherstrip adhesive to the gasket surface, then place the gasket on the cover making sure it is properly placed and securely stuck to the weatherstrip adhesive. Once you've done this, let the covers sit for awhile so the adhesive "cures" a bit. If the engine has Jake spacers do the same with the bottom side of them. Then install the covers, tightening them enough to seal, but not too much, as that will distort them.