one more dumb question, lol, anyway i had to take the rocker arm cover off due to leak. looks like i slightly bent the edge taking it off, but don’t look bad. i placed the cover on level surface and it seems minimum imbalance if any.
Try it without it and if it leaks then doctor it with anything recommended for sealing gaskets . A paper thin coat is the most i recommend .
Hundreds of gaskets are sealed with a purchased sealer every day .
Carefully tap valve cover with small hammer to straighten it. Use a feeler gauge on glass surface to determine how straight it is. Use a gasket plus sealer to seal it if needed.
#11
StarTech
First rocker covers that are sealed with RTV needs to be sheared off not pried off.
Second when sealing with RTV.
Remove all of the old RTV.
Clean off all oil residue.
Apply the Permatex Surface Prep/Accelerator to both surfaces. Not necessary but greatly improves the sealing.
Apply RTV to the rocker cover sealing edge.
Install the rocker cover and only tighten the screws to finger tight.
Let this sit overnight without ever cranking the engine.
Next day torque the screw to 65 in/lbs and let the engine sit for a least a couple more hours.
Then start the engine as you normal and use it.
This because RTV will not cure properly if oil touches it before it is fully cured. If the above is not follow the sealing will fail in short order.
Also the Permatex prep spray is not usually carry by the local auto parts stores as they are too cheap to carry a slow moving product so I have order mine thru Amazon. It goes a long way.
In case you didn't already know this: you need a way to keep the engine from spinning to break the fastener free. The best way I know is to remove the spark plug and push several feet of clean rope into the cylinder (as much as will fit). Or if you have an impact driver that will work without the rope trick. When you put the flywheel back on, don't be afraid to put some torque into it.
On your flywheel nut, it helps a hundred times over if you have an impact gun. I never needed a super heavy duty one so years back I bought an electric one from harbor freight. Not expensive and I’ve used it many many times
I like the Permatex Ultra Black. Oil resistant. Throw those gaskets away, no longer needed except when used as a spacer like for end play on Sump gaskets. So much better than paper, no need to level cover. It will seal.
If you have gasket, use one. Sealant valve covers have "bumps so sealer can work. Use torque wrench to tighten flywheel, cheap one from Amazon in fine for home owner. / make sure crankshaft is not bent if you hit something big & it stopped engine.
