Cleaning head before installing valve cover - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Zulfiqar · #31 10-05-2017, 03:39 PM

I dont think that will cause any leak at all. Its cast iron anyway, try a sharp tool and if you think it will leak, get some engine sealant from a GM dealer and put a drop of it there, it will be sealed for sure and forever too.

Graham · #32 10-05-2017, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funola

You'll regret not using some kind of adhesive sealant to glue the VC gasket to the VC. Murphy's law says you will knock the VC gasket off just when you almost have the VC close to being seated..... then you will be cursing.

I did not use sealant between gasket and head. Have not heard complaints of leaks yet so afaik, it is not leaking.

Further update:

I just completed the job. No problem with gasket falling off. I had that problem previously, but the OE gasket I used this time fitted snugly and nothing would make if fall off. Mind you, the cover just drops on with the CC actuator out of the way, so no finagling to cause gasket to catch on something.

It was a mistake using the Ultra grey on the gasket mating surface. I tried to brush it on, but it starts to cure very quickly and becomes hard to spread. I smoothed it with gloved finger and then put it right on and torqued to spec. Glad I didn't have to waste more time getting the cover in place. Next time I will try and find some of that thinner paint-on sealant that some here suggested.

By the way, I cut a narrow strip off a synthetic abrasive pad and used that to clean up the head just outside of the sealing surface. Worked fine using fingers mostly and a flat piece of scrap as a pusher in hard to get at spots. Came out reasonably well.

Now trying to have enough patience to let sealant cure before I start the engine and check for leaks! probably wait until tomorrow.

Junkman · #33 10-06-2017, 03:27 PM

At least one person ties his gasket to the cover with fishing line then cuts the line. Mine always leaks unless glued. It might work if the stud shoulders were cut down but MBZ designed and it would be work for no improvement. Glue does the trick.

Graham · #34 10-06-2017, 05:39 PM

First run today to test. Just slightest leak near front left bolt. Re-torqued while hot and just that bolt took a few degrees to tighten to spec (probably more sealant at that point?)

Anyway, gave her a good run after that and no leaks!

That is except for oil filler cap . Took gasket out and used some sealant under it to thicken it a bit. Also bent the spring tabs. Hopefully will work until I get a new cap.

Do D Do · #35 10-07-2017, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham

Regarding Gasgacinch rubber cement. Never seen that in stores here in Canada. Their website doesn't say much. No temperature rating?

They sell Gasgacinch at Canadian Tire. It is fairly expensive. I think around $20, for a small bottle.

ROLLGUY · #36 10-07-2017, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Do D Do

They sell Gasgacinch at Canadian Tire. It is fairly expensive. I think around $20, for a small bottle.

In my opinion, worth every penny.

Graham · #37 10-07-2017, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Do D Do

They sell Gasgacinch at Canadian Tire. It is fairly expensive. I think around $20, for a small bottle.

Can you provide a link?

Doesn't show up when I do a search:

Search Results | Canadian Tire

or under gasket makers & sealants:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/search-results.html?q=Gasket%20Makers%20%26%20Sealants

Graham · #38 10-11-2017, 01:19 PM

I am thinking of re-doing this job:

- try and eliminate what might be noise from inexact valve adjustment
- very small weep from gasket cover in one spot (where defect in OE gasket was?)
- not happy that I used Ultra grey sealant (hard to get even coating)

I have ordered a new gasket from NAPA. They sell Altrom ALT-JZ124. Alternative is my old OE gasket, but not the new one with defect.

What I do not have, is the Gasgacinch. Does not seem to be available here even at bike shops. Any suggestions for similar sealers?

funola · #39 10-11-2017, 01:38 PM

Ultra grey is some kind of RTV Silicone? I wouldn't use it between VC gasket and head for fear of bits of it coming off and plugging oil passages. I'd install it dry but make sure your valve cover is not warped and wipe clean the head surface first. I got word that the VC gasket I installed dry is leak free.

Graham · #40 10-11-2017, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funola

Ultra grey is some kind of RTV Silicone? I wouldn't use it between VC gasket and head for fear of bits of it coming off and plugging oil passages. I'd install it dry but make sure your valve cover is not warped and wipe clean the head surface first. I got word that the VC gasket I installed dry is leak free.

Dry would be best, but because of the cleaning of the head I did, plus the imperfection in the OE gasket, I figured I needed at least a thin smear of sealant.

However, it was not easy to smear the Ultra Grey. It started to cure and would not spread easily. The thin Gasgacinch seems like it would work. But not available here. Need to find something equivalent. Don't want to have to take cover off a 3rd time!

OK engine noise issue solved, I hope. No need to remove cover now. Will try and get some Gasgacinch when in USA over winter.

ROLLGUY · #41 10-11-2017, 07:29 PM

I have a suspicion that rubber cement used for patching tires is the same stuff. I am sure it is available in your area and will work just as good.

Graham · #42 10-11-2017, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

I have a suspicion that rubber cement used for patching tires is the same stuff. I am sure it is available in your area and will work just as good.

Could be but maybe they had some secret formula

Anyway, I don't want to experiment.
Permatex has High-Tack which may also be similar but again has different solvent base.
Same with Permatex (or now Loctite) Aviation form-a-gasket. This one looks like a good bet.
I could order Gasgacinch on-line it seems.

According to MSDS sheet, Gasgacinch is in the class of solvent cements. Compared it with a rubber patch cement and the solvents used were different.

https://www.fastservsupply.com/documents/889_1015_7.pdf

Likely hard to get because many vendors no longer stock products containing volatile solvents.

ROLLGUY · #43 10-11-2017, 09:34 PM

I get mine at NAPA (jokingly= Never Any Parts Available

). It is not out on the shelf. I have to ask for it, and the guy goes in the back to get it. I imagine that they do it this way because it may not be allowed to be sold to the public, but only to mechanic shops. You might try NAPA online. Believe me, once you use this stuff, you will not ever use anything else for sealing any gasket, it's that good.

Graham · #44 10-11-2017, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

I get mine at NAPA (jokingly= Never Any Parts Available

). It is not out on the shelf. I have to ask for it, and the guy goes in the back to get it. I imagine that they do it this way because it may not be allowed to be sold to the public, but only to mechanic shops. You might try NAPA online. Believe me, once you use this stuff, you will not ever use anything else for sealing any gasket, it's that good.

I am going to NAPA tomorrow to pick up a gasket. I will ask them. But this is NAPA Canada, not exactly same as NAPA USA.

Do D Do · #45 10-12-2017, 02:32 AM

Graham, go to Canadian tire in the aisle that has all the permatex gasket* maker stuff. There is several different types as well as different cold weld chemicals and epoxy and such and look hard for it.

We have two Canadian tire stores where I am in Sask. and they both have it. It is at the bottom of the rack below all the other stuff (above) in a small tub with what is probably a metal top with a brush built into the lid. It is not very big and is kind of inconspicuous. It is in a white red and yellow packaging with black writing.

I would imagine that it probably is in your Canadian tire stores as well, but maybe I'm wrong in assuming this chain would be stocking the same stuff all across Canada? It is the type of one off product that might not be in their online catalogue, and so you may just have to go there and look for it, unfortunatly.

I will go to Canadian Tire and post a picture of it for you tomorrow.

I have never tried it because it is so expensive and I have never heard anything about it until now.
I always pick it up and read it and have been tempted each time to get it but then I see the price and just buy the cheaper permatex copper stuff.

Now that Rollguy has vouched for it being " worth every penny" I will be splurging on it next time I have something opened up.

It seems to me that I gravitate towards it around when I'm doing valve adjustment because it seems to fit well for this application and the marketing literature I read on the package speaks to what I imagine would be a perfect non invasive type of thin sealant to paint on to the valve cover gasket to avoid risking putting little broken off balls of silicone into our engines, but rather aid in getting a leak free gasket.