Best B20 Valve Cover Gasket?

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RadioFlyer
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Best B20 Valve Cover Gasket?

Postby RadioFlyer » Tue Nov 15, 2016 2:27 pm

Hey guys, the time came to replace the valve cover gasket in the '80 900t (8-valve B20 engine), and all I can find is cork. Anyone have any suggestions for the best VC gaskets out there, or is cork the best you can get in the 21st century?

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99Super
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Re: Best B20 Valve Cover Gasket?

Postby 99Super » Tue Nov 15, 2016 2:45 pm

Cork is it. I've never seen anything else. Using some "Indian Head" gasket shellac during assembly will reduce leakage significantly.

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Crazyswede
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Re: Best B20 Valve Cover Gasket?

Postby Crazyswede » Tue Nov 15, 2016 2:55 pm

Cork works well. I have applied a thin layer of Loctite 518 on both sides and cleaned the mating surfaces well and then had no leakage issues...may be doable on the old gasket as well
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squaab99t
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Re: Best B20 Valve Cover Gasket?

Postby squaab99t » Tue Nov 15, 2016 6:14 pm

I have had luck with the cork and 518. The other question is do you have the sheet metal cover that the return flange lip goes out from the head or towards? I seem to like the ones that are bent inward to contain the cork better.

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Geoff
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Re: Best B20 Valve Cover Gasket?

Postby Geoff » Thu Nov 17, 2016 1:06 pm

I've also had good luck with the 518 on the stock cork gaskets. Just remember to tighten them lightly. Tightening too hard bends the sheet metal into the cork, causing leaks.
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Re: Best B20 Valve Cover Gasket?

Postby RadioFlyer » Tue Nov 22, 2016 11:48 am

Thanks guys! I hope this one isn't too bent. Seems like pretty flimsy metal. I'll try the 518 and go from there.

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squaab99t
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Re: Best B20 Valve Cover Gasket?

Postby squaab99t » Tue Nov 22, 2016 9:12 pm

You can't clean the surfaces enough. Use a posi-drive bit if you are using the stock style fasteners.


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