I changed my valve cover gasket 3 times, by 2 different mechanic and it still leaks oil, I am planning to change it again myself this time, can anyone with a similar problem offer any suggestion. Someone suggested that maybe the Valve cover itself is bent and not level, so I purchased a used one and will replace the original one. I was thinking of using a sealant like VICTOR REINZ Sealing Compound or YAMABOND LIQUID GASKET MAKER but my mechanic advise against using sealants, any suggestion would be appreciated

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I would never use a sealant on my valve covers. Make sure they are torqued to factory spec. On the M119, the valve cover bolt washers are copper and should not be reused; but it looks like your bolts are much larger, so check the factory manual.

Are you using a factory gasket? I have had problems with new Victor Reinz valve cover gaskets on M119's. I would recommend using a factory gasket. (Others would differ.) For some reason the factory gaskets fit the valve covers better and I have never experienced a leaking problem with a new factory gasket. Of course, if you are using a URO gasket, I would not be surprised at all to see it leak. Indeed, I would be surprised if it didn't leak.

Feel around the gasket to make absolutely certain that it is seated correctly and doesn't move when you install the cover. You can use a telescoping mirror to visually check the back part.

EDIT: In your pictures above, it doesn't even look like the cover is torqued down. Is there something obstructing it? I can see space between the gasket and cover.

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1993 400E, 256,000 miles (totaled)
1994 E420, 200,000+ miles
1995 E420, 201,000 miles

Thanks very much for taking the time to respond, the gaskets are original and were purchased from Mercedes Benz, the bolts are also the original ones, but that was good advise you gave me regarding the washers and I will certainly replace them, the gasket did not come with any washers, do you know exactly what size washers are they, or can I just purchase any copper washers that fit, you made a very important observation when you pointed out
"In your pictures above, it doesn't even look like the cover is torqued down. Is there something obstructing it? I can see space between the gasket and cover."
You are absolutely right about the space between the gasket and the cover, I was wondering about those spaces and now that you mention about torque, I am now wondering that there is a possibility that the mechanic did not correctly torque the screws, so I will be sure to torque them to the correct measurement which I understand is 9nm. Thanks again for your recommendations and advise against using a sealant.

without the washers, the bolts bottom out in their holes and can't pull the cover down. put your cover on a flat surface and see if it rocks, without then with, the gasket. i always use a rubber cement in the groove of the gasket and press onto a table or something to seat it on the cover. i doubt the cover is the problem. good luck, chuck.

Yes, if the washers are not correct, the bolts could bottom out and you would not get a good seal. Maybe that's the case; but I don't know enough about that engine to tell whether they are the correct washers.

You can subscribe to the Mercedes Electronic Parts Catalog for free and input your VIN number to get the exact part number for the washers and the bolts.

EPC-net Online

It will even store your VIN for later use. Even if you decide to go outside the factory parts, having the factory part number to insert on the search minimizes error. Being able to print out the diagram is nice too.

On the M119 engine, there is no way to lay the valve cover on a flat surface. Maybe on yours you can.

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1993 400E, 256,000 miles (totaled)
1994 E420, 200,000+ miles
1995 E420, 201,000 miles

What type or brand of rubber cement do you use, my mechanic does not recommend that I use any sealant

I had to drill,and use a helicoil on to hold down bolt holes,also change the semi circle.

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1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran

Because gasket does not stay in place good when replacing it,I glued my gasket to valve cover

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1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran

After you changed your gasket and applied the glue, did it ever leak any oil and what type of sealant or glue did you use

like the previous post, only on the gasket so it stays on the cover while you wrestle it into place. small bead, don't fill the valley, 3m 8008 weatherstrip adhesive. good luck, chuck.

Thanks very much chuck, I appreciate all your thoughts and ideas and will put them to good use