Reusing valve cover gasket
 

I know I shouldn't but,

How much success is there with reusing the old valve cover gasket after doing a valve adjustment?

I don't know how well that would work, I've been having poor luck using a new valve cover seal on mine, so you might have better luck with the old one.

Possibly clean the seal and the head well with some brake cleaner on a rag, and apply a thin coat of silicone glue?

Mine has lasted through 2 valve adjustments without leaking or any kind of sealer.

I have re-used them a few times. I think the trick is to avoid overtightening.

The gasket also needs to still be pliable.

I used a new one just for grins, difficult to get on without staying on cam cover, had to try three times I think, you're not supposed to use any sealant, but some folks have to keep gasket in place during reassembly.

fishing line... tie it in 3 places and one lengthwise.. get it on and start the bolts but not too tight. untie or cut the line and slide it out.. viola...

I think my valve cover is warped... its leaking from the #5 cylinder....

To me it is more like a big O-ring than a gasket. So I re-use it until it becomes brittle.

Ken300D

i reuse it until the gasket can stand on end on your palm. If it does, it is too stiff already to be doing any "sealing" on the cover.. well, at least that's how we do it in the shop i go to..:D

The first time I got my valves adjusted the mechanic spent ten minutes talking me OUT of buying a new valve cover gasket. While I dont have a lot of experience with Mercedes diesel engines, I have always replaced a valve cover gasket if the cover needs to be removed.
Sure enough, after getting home there was oil all over the driveway, needless to say that was the last time I went to that mechanic (who is supposedly a reputable Mercedes guy).
As I said, I'm far from completely knowledgeable about these cars, but in my opinion the piece of mind is well worth the price of a valve cover gasket.

I've never had problems reusing the same VC gasket many times and I've always used a little of the brown sticky Permatex sealer for insurance.

Mine starts leaking right around the time it needs an adjustment :D Like right now. ;) I'll be adjusting them next week on my car and our 300D, and will be using a new gasket on both. Did my dad's SD a week ago, with a OEM gasket.

I just replace it, they're what... $2?

Good idea! When I finally got the cover on, one of the hold down studs had been inverted, when I torqued to specs...CRACK. Off to the p'n'p for a different cover, first one did not have CC mounting holes, another trip, scored that time. A simple valve adjusting job took over a week.

First, let me say that this is one item I only get from the dealer:eek:. I can tell the difference .

Secondly, I have used the same one for the last three valve adjustments with no leaks.

Lastly, It must be torqued to specs. . Now let's all say it together...
It must be torqued to specs. .