Neoprene Valve cover gasket

[Weasel73240Z]

I've heard about a neoprene valve cover gasket for L-series engines, and I'd like to try one to address some minor "weeping" from my valve cover. Its very minor, I've lost less than a quart all summer, but its leaving spots on my nice new garage floor. :mad: Does anyone know a source for this type gasket?

Yes, I tried re-torquing the bolts a few times since I finished the motor, none were loose - no change.

Edited October 28, 2008 by Weasel73240Z

[MikeW]

Does it always leak from the same spot? I'm wondering if there's a defect in the valve cover or head itself that's causing a normal gasket to not work properly. It does seem like a compressible gasket would seal better than stock which is more like cardboard.

[Weasel73240Z]

When I had the head rebuilt, I had the head straight-edged by the shop, and it was perfect. I'm sure of that because I told them to re-surface it if was needed, and they said it wasn't (I doubt they would have turned down the extra $ for re-surfacing if it was justified). I straight-edged the valve cover myself with a 4' level, and it seemed good. It seems to be weeping right above the #1 and #2 spark plugs, those are the plugs wires that I keep wiping old oil of off.

[26th-Z]

Paul,

Do you have a mechanical fuel pump on the front of the engine? There is no reason a gasket prepared with something like permatex should leak. But the "weeping you describe on the #1 and #2 spark plug wires sounds like the trouble I have had with a leaking fuel pump. Something like that will mist oil like you describe.

[Arne]

I've had zero seepage on a stock-type cork gasket on mine. I agree with Chris, a stock type gasket with a bit of gasket sealer on it should work fine. The cork gaskets would have a shorter life than a neoprene gasket would. The neoprene should be reusable indefinitely, whereas a cork gasket needs replaced after a couple or three uses.

[DeesZ]

I am thinking the same way as 26th-Z, if you are running the old mechanical fuel pump, check it out. Run your finger along the bottom of the fuel pump and see if you don't get a drop or two from down there. Some of them (mine included) start to seep oil at the little weep hole on the fuel pump, and while driving it will mist back to about the location that you describe. It took me a good while to figure out where the mist was coming from, but that was it.

[Carl Beck]

So at this point - it sounds like NO ONE KNOWS WHERE TO GET A "neoprene valve cover gasket for L-series engines".

I'll ask around and let you know if I find a source.

FWIW,

Carl B.

[xray]

Sorry to be off topic....I've had very good success with FelPro's rubber/cork valve cover gasket. Their oil pan gasket also does a much better job than the basic cork as well. Prices at RockAuto are $10 for the valve cover, $7 for the oilpan.

So, if the neoprene doesn't pan out, maybe try that one?

[JLPurcell]

Try the following source, they have 4 different products including the rubber/cork.

http://www.racepages.com/products/?Ntt=Nissan+Valve+Cover+Gasket&N=11378

To make sure and get a good seal you can clean both surfaces and apply a very light coat of silicone sealer (just enough to make it shine) to both sides of the gasket. The gasket is easy to remove but forms a good seal. JLP

[beandip]

JL, thanks for the information, I have been asking around looking for a neoprene valve cover gasket. Steve at ZTherapy said that there used to be one that was cork/rubber but didn't think that they were still available. I am going to order one form the company you posted . I have been using a cork gasket that is a top quality thick gasket but it seeps oil and causes the engine to get dirty . Not enough to be a problem otherwise, but it is just a pain in the butt. Gary:nervous:

[blue 72]

I've had problems with the rock auto hard black valve cover gaskets in the past. I've now got a cork valve cover gasket on mine with a light coat of Gasgacinch, and no leaks to report yet. Unfortunately, I haven't seen a Neoprene valve cover gasket for this motor yet.

[sblake01]

I know they at least used to exist. I used them on my L series 4 cylinder cars back in the day.