Valve cover gasket leak

[TheNewAmericanSpirit]

I just changed the valve cover gasket in my 88. It has been leaking ever since I got it last March and who knows how long before then. My 92 Festiva that I got the other week seems to have a valve cover gasket leak as well.

Is this a common problem with Festivas or did I simply get on the slim side of statistics?

Also, when I changed the gasket there wasn't any silicon on the old gasket and I wonder if that's why it was leaking.

Just wondering what you all have run into.

[FestYboy]

the gasket IS a common leak point on Festys. the gasket is supposed to go on dry, but i've had better luck by coating the gasket with copper spray before application. the mating surfaces MUST remain dry during install.

[blkfordsedan]

Yes, the rubber gaskets are designed to be used dry. They do have a tendancy to get a little hard and brittle with age. I suppose the cheap bargain ones are probably worse as well. Personally, I use RTV to glue the gasket into the VC (keeps it in place), but the other side (that actually seals) I leave dry. Also, the design does not require a lot of torque on the VC bolts. Rubber gaskets don't need (or like) to be overly tight. I keep them snug by hand, and never have issues....as long as the gasket is soft and pliable.

[Movin]

I believe the rubber needs a little help at all junctions but I leave the rest dry so that nothing will be there to act like a lube and allow the valve cover itself to deform and fail.

Not so much a problem with the B block valve covers but it definitely is with other engines. When something works don't change it.