Any tips on replacing valve cover gaskets (without leaking)?

[evo2]

Going for 3rd attempt at VC gaskets on M62.

The PO had them replaced shortly before I bought the car, but 6 months later they were wet. I replaced them again with new gaskets and grommets taking the utmost care, but they are still leaking.

I confirmed the half moons are seated well with a mirror and I used a dab of grey high temp RTV on them as well as the joints for the timing chain cover.
I also put a metal straight edge on the heads and VC's and nothing seems warped.

The one thing I did do which might be the problem is use a small amount of gasket glue between the gasket and valve cover to keep it in place while re-installing the cover. I know you're not supposed to use anything on these types of gaskets, but it seems necessary.

Do people have any tips for keeping the VC gasket in place during re-assembly and making sure there is a good tight seal?

'01 X5 4.4i
139,000 mi.
Wet driveway

[rph74]

I had a similar experience. To fix the problem, the shop ended up using silicone sealant on the entire area-also knowing you are not supposed to use any sealant except for the half moon area. More than one year later it has held up!

Are you using glycerin (you could probably substitute using motor oil) on the gasket to allow it to float during installation? I know this is a pain in the a$$ job, took me like 4-5 hours per side on my Range Rover. Sucks to have to do again.

[stackz]

pull the half moons and completely clean them and their mating surface with brake parts cleaner (evaporates without residue leaving clean dry surface) before running a fresh bead on the moon side and squishing it into place. I usually take a finger on the excess gasket material and smush it around to help seal the outer surfaces and give a cleaner look.

as for keeping the gasket in place while seating. Again, clean the mating surface with brake parts cleaner and let it dry. Then I usually take out a tube of krazy glue or super glue and as I'm putting the gasket down I will toss a tiny little dab every so often and hold the gasket in place a couple seconds and then keep going.

After installed, the little tiny bit of glue will just disintegrate due to engine heat. I do use gasket material though on most valve cover gaskets as I dont like wasting tubes of super glue...makes much better finger cut repairs without having to use bandaids haha