valve cover gasket "seal packing"

[Herber...@gmail.com]

To replace the valve cover gasket on a '95 V6,
the manual specifies "seal packing" -- part no.
08826-00080, 00258-00103, or "equivalent".
The dealer wants $16.50 for the stuff, which
I didn't use for the front valve cover gasket years
ago. For the rear gasket, I'm more risk averse,
as a lot more labor is involved.

How helpful is seal packing in maintaining a
tight seal? What would be a generic equivalent?

Thanks,
Herb

[tim...@mailcity.com]

It's basically RTV....use Permatex's "Right Stuff"
http://www.permatex.com/brand_right_stuff.htm

[john...@hotmail.com]

To facilitate machining Toyota cut semi-circular openings to machine
the cam journals, and afterwards they "glue" the cutouts back using
RTV. You use RTV because otherwise oil will leak through the joint
between the cylinder head and the cutout plug.

Just be careful not let any of the old RTV beads fall into the
cylinder head when you remove them. You should remove the old beads or
they look like they'll fall off by themselves in no time.

I like and will first recommend Permatex products. The Permatex
"Sensor Safe Blue" is a cost effective way to seal many things. I also
use the water pump RTV (leftovers) and Permatex Copper premium RTV
(again, when I have leftovers). Pick some up at your local AutoZone,
competitively priced there.

I also get Fel-Pro valve cover set (including spark plug tube seals)
from rockauto.com. Good prices even with shipping.

Yeah, dealer prices for some of these generic stuff are a joke.

http://www.permatex.com/products/automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_makers/Permatex_Sensor-Safe_Blue_RTV_Silicone_Gasket_Maker.htm
www.rockauto.com

On Dec 29, 1:04 pm, Herbert.Ko...@gmail.com wrote:

[john...@hotmail.com]

The valve cover bolts have stops. The old washers may not put enough
pressure on the gasket and can cause leaks. You can buy new bolt/
washer packs at the dealer, or a home-garage fix is to put an extra
washer on there. Maybe 0.5mm thick.

On Dec 29, 1:04 pm, Herbert.Ko...@gmail.com wrote:

[john...@hotmail.com]

Now why does Toyota have to call RTV "seal packing" and engine sludge
"oil gel"???

On Dec 29, 1:04 pm, Herbert.Ko...@gmail.com wrote:

[Herber...@gmail.com]

The number of Permatex RTV products at the auto parts store gave me a
buzz.
And Permatex is advising me to use a "sealer" (Ultra Gray) rather than
a "maker"
on my neoprene/rubber valve cover gasket. When so many authorities
(Haynes,
Permatex, this group, Toyota) disagree, perhaps it doesn't really
matter?
-Herb

On Dec 29 2007, 8:25 pm, johngd...@hotmail.com wrote:
> ...

> I like and will first recommend Permatex products. The Permatex
> "Sensor Safe Blue" is a cost effective way to seal many things. I also
> use the water pump RTV (leftovers) and Permatex Copper premium RTV
> (again, when I have leftovers). Pick some up at your local AutoZone,
> competitively priced there.
>
> I also get Fel-Pro valve cover set (including spark plug tube seals)
> from rockauto.com. Good prices even with shipping.
>
> Yeah, dealer prices for some of these generic stuff are a joke.
>

> http://www.permatex.com/products/automotive/automotive_gasketing/gask...www.rockauto.com
>

[john...@hotmail.com]

One thing is for sure: use only a light dab to cover the plug seam
areas. And the rubber gaskets are otherwise applied "dry". I'm more
concerned with the washer pack on each bolt losing their clamping
force over the years.

I'd trust what Permatex advises you. The Ultra Gray (link below) that
I could reference is a premium rtv "maker". It's for high torque and
high vibration applications. The Ultra Copper I have leftover adds
high temp above that.

The blue I mentioned is the standard line. But if you note the
application blue/gray/copper they are pretty similar other than some
performance parameters.

Like I said. My valve cover cam plugs were sealed with their water
pump rtv because I had some leftover. I also have some Ultra Copper
leftover waiting in line. Now water pump rtv is NOT a recommended
application by Permatex for cam plugs, but it was my call. A little
dab sealed quite well I might add, but I'm sure blue/gray/copper will
work better as the water pump rtv was designed for "Highest water-
glycol resistance available in an RTV silicone."

Blue:
http://www.permatex.com/products/automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_makers/Permatex_Sensor-Safe_Blue_RTV_Silicone_Gasket_Maker.htm
Suggested Applications: Valve covers, oil pans, timing covers, water
pumps, thermostat housings, transmission pans

Ultra Gray:
http://www.permatex.com/products/automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_makers/auto_Permatex_Ultra_Grey_Rigid_High-Torque_RTV_Silicone_Gasket_Maker.htm
Suggested Applications: Valve covers, oil pans, intake manifold end
seals, timing covers, water pumps, thermostat housings

Ultra Copper:
"The most advanced, high temp RTV silicone gasket available."
http://www.permatex.com/products/automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_makers/auto_Permatex_Ultra_Copper_Maximum_Temperature_RTV_Silicone_Gasket_Maker.htm

Water pump rtv:
"Highest water-glycol resistance available in an RTV silicone."
http://www.permatex.com/products/automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_makers/Permatex_Water_Pump_Thermostat_RTV_Silicone_Gasket.htm

[john...@hotmail.com]

Also check:

http://www.permatex.com/trainingvideos.htm

for their online training videos. Check the gasketing video.

[john...@hotmail.com]

BTW, the "Permatex® Ultra Rubber Gasket Sealant & Dressing" is a **non-
hardening**, soft-setting formula makes gasket repositioning quick and
easy. I personally am not sure this is the right application for the
cam plugs.

If you were to ask them about what the use for cam plugs instead of
valve cover gaskets, I'm sure they'll say it's the Ultra Gray or
Copper.

On Dec 29 2007, 1:04 pm, Herbert.Ko...@gmail.com wrote: