best rtv for valve cover gaskets? (m60)

[General Geoff]

I've got the gasket set on order, and I know that there are a few places that specify a dab of rtv to help make a good seal. I was looking at Ultra Black Permatex, but is there another type I should be using instead?

[Binjammin]

Permatex makes a product called "The Right Stuff". I love it.

[General Geoff]

I looked at the "Right Stuff," wasn't sure if there was any downside to it seeing as it's quick-setting. If not, I'll gladly use it.

[AHenry014]

ive heard good things about "the right stuff". I usually use grey RTV for those areas. Never had an issue with it.

[General Geoff]

I have a friend who just replaced the VCG on his '04 330xi, he used ultra black on his, no leaks after install.

I suspect the ultra black, ultra grey, and right stuff could all be used for this application without issue...

[Binjammin]

I have a friend who just replaced the VCG on his '04 330xi, he used ultra black on his, no leaks after install.

I suspect the ultra black, ultra grey, and right stuff could all be used for this application without issue...

Oh, probably, but in my experience the right stuff sets up fast, isn't runny, and actually holds a lot better than ultra black. It's not TOO much more price wise either, so it comes out ahead all day long.

[knucklebuster]

the best silicone to use for your car when doing valve cover is http://www.victorreinz.com/ gasket sealer . A dab on the humps and timing cover mates to cylinder head

[Sankekur]

I used Wynn's sealant when doing both my 330i and 540i VCG's and it seems to be holding up well.

[dinan740]

Don't use silicone, those are gasket makers not gasket sealant or dressings. What is the gasket made out of? Most valve cover gaskets go dry. Simple Permatex non hardening gasket dressing used vary sparingly works great. Remember all surfaces should be scraped and hit with cleaner till they are surgically clean. Nothing will seal a dirty surface. The dressing is to fill minute irregular surface imperfections.

Good luck

[BMW IDFR]

You may already know this, it is also important to let the gasket do its job, do not use excessive rtv...

use on corners and curves where the gasket needs some help

[Sankekur]

You may already know this, it is also important to let the gasket do its job, do not use excessive rtv...

use on corners and curves where the gasket needs some help

Repair manual actually says that the sealant should only be used at the two half circle cutouts at the back of the head and the two points on the front where the timing cover bolts onto the head.

[Binjammin]

Don't use silicone, those are gasket makers not gasket sealant or dressings. What is the gasket made out of? Most valve cover gaskets go dry. Simple Permatex non hardening gasket dressing used vary sparingly works great. Remember all surfaces should be scraped and hit with cleaner till they are surgically clean. Nothing will seal a dirty surface. The dressing is to fill minute irregular surface imperfections.

Good luck

OP isn't talking about using RTV to form a gasket, see below.


Repair manual actually says that the sealant should only be used at the two half circle cutouts at the back of the head and the two points on the front where the timing cover bolts onto the head.

Exactly.

[SwissCheeseHead]

mine has been weeping oil out of the back when I replaced it a year ago. I've been too lazy to do it all over again but after reading this, I might have to when I need a project to keep me busy. How do you clean the mating surfaces when the valve covers are off to prevent any crud from falling into the engine? Mine were relatively clean, and I expect them to stay that way but in case I need to scrub it down. What do you use? a scotchbirght pad? any cleaner?

[AHenry014]

brake cleaner