8.3 liter valve cover gasket

[98G]

Anybody changed the valve cover gasket on one of these? Got a part number or recommended part?

I've got black permatex. I'm thinking a solid gasket is probably better.

Edit - part number is 3905449.

Thanks

 

[simp5782]

Anybody changed the valve cover gasket on one of these? Got a part number or recommended part?

I've got black permatex. I'm thinking a solid gasket is probably better.

Edit - part number is 3905449.

Thanks

Dirko Grey Sealant. Cheap and you won't have a leaking issue again. Ever.

 

[98G]

Anything I need to know regarding pulling the valve cover?

Thanks!

 

[simp5782]

Anything I need to know regarding pulling the valve cover?

Thanks!

Nope. Just loosen your turbo cross tube clamps. Loosen the inlet turbo clamp and spin it up out of the way.

Probably get some silicone stock and cut some new connector hoses to length.

 

[98G]

Do I need to remove the front coolant hose?

 

[simp5782]

I never did. It would give enough to get by it

 

[98G]

I never did. It would give enough to get by it

I couldn't. So I drained some coolant into a clean bucket and pulled it. Better access can only make matters easier when it's time to reassemble.

How about the small coolant overflow tank and associated bracket? Looks like it needs to go, especially the bracket.

Last time I did a valve cover gasket was >30 years ago on a 350 Chevy.

Edit - the overflow tank and associated bracket were removed. Access is much better this way.

 

[98G]

Here's a picture. Note the complete discontinuity in the existing gasket -

 

[98G]

And it's all back together, no longer leaking, and delivered to the customer.

 

[Jbulach]

Here's a picture. Note the complete discontinuity in the existing gasket -

Asume you put a dab of silicone on the gap?

 

[juanprado]

Dirko Grey Sealant. Cheap and you won't have a leaking issue again. Ever.

Interesting as I had never heard of Dirko or sold it in the parts stores when I was in the biz in another lifetime. How did you find them ? and I assume you are happy with the product? Do you use it for everything- water, oil, etc?

 

[simp5782]

Interesting as I had never heard of Dirko or sold it in the parts stores when I was in the biz in another lifetime. How did you find them ? and I assume you are happy with the product? Do you use it for everything- water, oil, etc?

It is a European thing. Used mostly on Mercedes engines that don't use gaskets. It works better in areas with hi humidity. More humidity the better it seals. You can put it on an 8.3L lift pump and if you have to take it off the lift pump will break off before the Dirko does.... I've used it on water,
Oil, gear oil .

Had a big cam air compressor that was leaking oil out the side of the head covered it in the dirko around the crack and it never leaked again. I've used it to repair plastic fuel tanks on tractors. Works well enough you can put cardboard in the filler neck spout
Put dirko on it and in 24hrs it's a brand new spout that isn't broke anymore.

 

[98G]

Asume you put a dab of silicone on the gap?

No, I ordered a new gasket and replaced it in its entirety.

I decided a pre-made gasket would be an easier install with less chance of a leak under the constraints I was working with.

Thank you to everyone who contributed knowledge to the decision making process.

 

[simp5782]

@juanprado

 

[juanprado]

cool, Thanks for the info. I will order some when I run out of my Permatex products. If Dirko likes high humidity, well that variable I can guarantee in the Banana Republic