Hi there, I have a 1985 oldsmobile calais with the 2.5L engine. I have been trying to resolve a leaking valve cover problem. I tried a cork gasket and it didn't work, so then I tried a rubber $12.99 gasket and it didn't work.

So then I thought the hell with it and got the $32 felpro PN FEL-VS50179T gasket.

This is supposed to be the king of gaskets, no sealing products needed whatsoever. But it still leaks. The valve cover is not distorted or bent in any way. And I cleaned it to like new status. All old silicone is gone, and all oil was completely cleaned with carb cleaner.

Has anyone else had problems with this? I am stumped.

throw some ultra black permatex on it, and only snug it down a little from the center out. too tight is as bad as not enough

Thanks, but they say no sealent at all. So your reply makes me confused. Can I get this thing to seal or no?

Yeah don't worry about the instructions. A thin layer of RTV on the valve cover side will be your friend. The head side should be fine with out sealant. The tin valve cover can't provide a flat even surface for to gasket so she sealant will fill in the voids.

I agree with Will and Justin. It appears that tin cover isn't sealing very well.

if you work on old cars for a while you will find you have to come up with your own solutions. the older engines have been taken apart and put back together so many times no way both surfaces are flat. alot of times i will throw out the gasket all together if it wont seal for valve covers. i do this first with intake end gaskets on sbc, they always end up leaking if you follow the instructions

using many types of gaskets over the many years - even the blue & non use sealer types.=I even remember when GM used -ONLY RTV sealer on vc'* and no gasket at all!! oil pans also. heres what i still do - I get that old cork gasket- & a tube of 3m 8001 gasket sealer -or i believe that # has been updated now too?? yet i use the yellow 3 m brand!! coat the valve cover area with it & the gasket - 1 side let dry / very tacky!! then put those two together- adding some weight to the top of valve comer !! let sit- then when dry- add rtv silicone (small amount) to the head side of that vc gasket & install it - tighten down screws =SNUGLY!! only - then after a few hours of running or a day or so -retighten the screws again tighter =remembering this -if you are NOT used to working on cars - the ameteuer will always tighten screws & bolts way too loose or way too tight!! be careful-- and ill add = clean that vc extermely good =inspecting for cracks @ the bolt hole areas!! might be that leak there u cant stop??

The valve cover on this engine is just like the timing cover on this engine, they can distort and leak......

They had cork gaskets, then rubber with metal rings where the bolts went through the cover.......

I use rtv.....trick is to make sure there is absolutely no oil on the deck of the engine or on the valve cover......when applying rtv to both sides of the gasket, do it quickly so it doesn't skin over.......and don't overtorque the valve cover bolts, it will distort the cover and squeeze out the rtv.......give it an hour or so to seal before starting...

Have you checked the ventilation system on the engine? Internal pressure will cause oil leaks. Also agree a little sealant wont hurt.