RTV or No RTV for Valve Cover Gasket Replacement - SOHC 2.5

[Brisky86]

Hey Guys,

 

I am getting ready to do a valve cover gasket replacement on my 2001 Subaru Legacy GT, 2.5 EJ252 SOHC engine using the Felpro gasket kit to fix an oil leak.

 

So I found this awesome right up here on how to replace the valve cover gasket:

http://www.rs25.com/forums/f105/t51254-diy-valve-cover-spark-plug-gasket-install.html

 

However, he does not mention using RTV at all.

In my Haynes manual, it seems to indicate that only turbo models or DOHC engine require any RTV.

 

Here he says just to press in the new gasket onto the cover.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v324/DumbUglyDragon/RS/Valve%20Cover%20Gaskets/valvecover.jpg

 

However here on a DIFFERENT engine (turbo Forester) the instructions state to use Permatex Right Stuff gasket maker on the covers themselves and press in the gasket on top of those.

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f88/valve-cover-gaskets-xt-sg-dohc-70127/

 

http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q493/snoozerxt/Subaru/Valve%20Cover%20Gasket/16.jpeg

 

 

 

So my question is should I use any RTV at all or just go with the original instructions and use no RTV?

 

I read somewhere that if RTV is not used on the cover side anyway it will eventually leak again.

 

Thanks again!

[RumbleRumble]

Most of the time it's not required. Just make sure mating surfaces are clean and it's torqued right. Just my 2 cents

[RustyRuu]

The turbo models and DOHC cars do call for it but SOHC don't if you want peace of mind then do it, it won't hurt anything and might seal for longer than not using it. Check your valve clearances while your in there too it's easier than you think and probably has never been done.

[Garurumon]

Theres a few specific places for the turbo models... I just did mine, you put the gasket into cover, then a small bead of RTV on specific points, for mine it was the half moon seals and corners, IIRC.

 

For yours, follow the Haynes. If no RTV is needed to make a good seal, dont use any. If you see some leaks, maybe you need to redo it.

[Sara32013]

I've completed this job twice in the past and have never used RTV. I typically use brake clean to clean up the area where the gasket sits but acetone may work better, maybe? Anyhow, I've never torqued them with a torque wrench, just tightened until they felt "right". I'm working on nearly 10k since changing and no leaks from that area yet. I also used felpro

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rougeben83]

Yup, did this service to my old SOHC ej253, no RTV needed - although you can use a small dab just to keep the gaskets in place while you're positioning the cover back on.

 

The Turbo motors have a "half moon" gasket on the heads that need RTV to remain seated.

[AcidicSunshine]

I've rebuilt the EJ25, as well as being a professional mechanic, there is no real need to use RTV on the valve cover gasket. Most manufacturers only recommend it when there's a place two gaskets meet; to avoid any potential leaks. On this engine, it's really not necessary. You may wish to apply a little where the spark plug tube seals meet the valve cover, but if you're like me and adjust your valve lash regularly, there's no need as you'll be taking the cover off again before they're leaking.

[Max Capacity]

Another place RTV comes into play is if the rubber gasket makes a shape direction change. Like from flat to going up and over a cam cap. Sounds like your good without using any

[xrayspecs]

last time i checked the valves i didnt use any RTV putting it back together and havent had any issues with leakage, just make sure everything is good and clean.