Which silicone for cam covers?

[Zanzibar]

Hi I am about to replace the cam cover gaskets and note from other threads that most people use a silicone to a) prevent the gasket moving when the cam cover is turned upside down and b) to assist in the sealing.

I have a couple of questions, please:-

1 - what brand/type of silicone is best to use?

2 - should the silicone be used on both surfaces or just the cover?

Any other advice?

Many thanks,

Andrew M.

[AlanD]

Hi Andy,

blue hylomar is what I have used, no leaks for the past 2 years, the 'D' plugs are the problems, put your cam over on a flat surface, check it is flat, if someone has overtightened it, it will be out of true

alan

[Seaking]

I use Vaseline nice and clean stops leaks and is safe with oils
cheers Glenn

[V Mad]

Sometimes gaskets can slip out of place when fitting. To keep them in place you can first glue them to the cam cover with some gasket cement that sticks well. Then use a smear of a different gasket compound that is not too sticky, like blue Hylomar so you can remove them later if necessary without breaking the gaskets.

[DJT]

First check that the covers haven't been distorted by over tightening. Check both sides are parallel and the covers sit flat. Stick the gaskets to the covers using Wellseal and set them on a flat surface with a weight on them for an hour or two. Then smear Vaseline or grease on the underside and fix to the engine. Use Hylomar or Wellseal under the half moon seals.

Personally I would leave silicone sealant for the bathroom or kitchen and steer clear of it for car engines. Use too much and it will squeeze inside and either block oil ways or radiator depending on what system you use it on.

[Mark Shutt]

Personally I would leave silicone sealant for the bathroom or kitchen and steer clear of it for car engines. Use too much and it will squeeze inside and either block oil ways or radiator depending on what system you use it on.

that worries me somewhat as I've been using Dirko that came highly recommended but it's like a silicone sealer..

[DJT]

that worries me somewhat as I've been using Dirko that came highly recommended but it's like a silicone sealer..

I used that last year, for the first time ever, on my sump gasket. A little while later I had to remove the sump again and discovered a lot of grey sludge in the oil residue. Never seen that before in 40 years of spannering. As the Stag sump has a ridge, I think that the oil washed the Dirko out of the inner gap. I may be wrong, but I won't be using it again.

[Mark Shutt]

hopefully non will get past the strainer then! I didn't go too crazy lapping it on though.. I think I'll invest in Wellseal for the rest of the build...

[edd]

I use reinzosil just about the best money can buy in my opinion. you apply it like your wiping it off and has a graphite feel with real body to it . Also resists temp above 300 degrees
Edd

[Zanzibar]

Hi guys, many thanks for your advice. I had not heard about the Vaseline trick before, so that sounds a great option plus some proper sealant to hold the gasket in place to prevent movement when refitting.

I will also check the covers to make sure they are true before refitting.

Andrew M

[davidf]

Back in the days of old 'original, proper' minis, the instructions for cork rocker box gaskets was to coat lightly with ordinary grease. I've always done that with the Stag's cam covers - seems OK.