Coloradogrant

HI, I replaced the driver side valve cover gasket last night. It was a very frustrating process to say the least. I could not get the new gasket to "stick" to the valve cover properly. (I was following the process from AudiPages written by Paul) I used Permatex Aviation. The gasket seemed to be stretched to fit over the end, and as a result, wanted to pull off. To make a long story short, I got the thing back together, waited a few hours, started it up, and Dammit! It leaks. Can't say that I was really surprised. Can anybody offer advice as to how they get the gaskets to stay tightly in place. AND do you guys put any sealant on the gasket to head surface before you put it back together.
Thanks

ricoblanco

gasket mating surface. However, I did use high tack gasket sealant all around the lip of the valve cover, waited five minutes for it to set up, and then put on the gasket. Also, be sure to use little dabs of blue RTV around the four hard corners where the cylinder head arches over the camshafts. Look at the photo below and you will see the purple-looking smears around the valve covers just above the gaskets. This is the high tack sealant:

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/139731/intake_removed.jpg">

gondar

Its sort of a contact cement for gaskets. Dark pink. Brush can. Typically used to glue the gasket to the moveable part. Plus, if it still leaks and you get depressed it smells as if you could use the rest of the can to get high.

ricoblanco

^^ Yep, that's the stuff. ^^

Coloradogrant

Stupid Question. How long did you wait for the Silicone to set up before you started the engine? The label says it dries in an hour, but not cured for 24 hours. Also, how did you install the little black cam insert? gasket thing that goes into the head near the firewall? Should I goop it up on top and bottom with RTV before placing it into its slot?

ricoblanco

I used the high tack on the cylinder head cut out (I think). You could goop it up with the blue RTV as you stated as well. I started the engine ~15-20 minutes after the install to check for leaks. Everything was fine.