MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGA - Silicone Valve cover gasket

What's the general opinion of using a silicone valve cover gasket?
david kirkpatrick

David,

I am using a silicone valve cover gasket with a cast aluminum valve cover. No problem with leaks since I can tighten her down without worrying about distorting the valve cover. Still need to be careful not to over torque, probably 8-10 ft-lbs. Be sure to use the thick steel washer (460-115) on top of the stamped steel cup washer covering the rubber bushing.

I don't like the fact that the orange silicone gasket is a bit too large and tends to poke out a bit on one side or the other. The aluminum valve cover does not have a stamped rim like the steel covers. The sealing edge is simply flat. The silicone gaskets are totally reusable.

I suspect that the silicone gasket might be hard to fit in the standard steel valve cover. Even if it were to fit I am not sure that you would be able to glue it into the valve cover as Barney suggests. The surface of the gasket is quite smooth and almost has an oily feel. http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/engine/ch107.htm

My silicone gasket kit came with side cover gaskets but I have yet to try them. Too much torque might be needed resulting in deformed side covers. My guess is that the cork gaskets will work the best with the steel side covers.

John

jbackman

David,
I tried to use them with the stamped steel valve cover and could never get it to seal. Same problem with the side covers.

Steve
S Jackson

Cork gaskets work wonderfully well, and they are cheap. Cork valve cover gaskets may be reused multiple times if they are not glued to the cover and over tightened. Sometimes newer is not necessarily better.
Barney Gaylord

There are cork valve cover gaskets that fit, and those that do not fit properly (too long, so do not stay in line with the edge of the cover.)
The prices also vary from around $10 to $1.78.
I glue the gasket to the cover only. That way it comes off with the cover, and can usualy be reused. I also tighten the nuts down until they stop - important to have all the washers under the nuts.
Peter.
P. Tilbury

This thread was discussed between 28/10/2013 and 30/10/2013

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.