420A Valve cover gasket leak

[BLACK'98DSM]

I know this has been asked over and over throughout the years, but I can't find what I'm looking for. Can someone please tell me the proper way to change the VC gasket? Ive done it twice, and it got better each time but I still have a small leakdown. I read that there is a specific sequence to tighten the bolts? Does anubody know this sequence? And I also read that some RTV needs to be used on certain parts? What parts does this need to be used on?

By the way, the 2gnt links no longer work.

 

[Mello]

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Recommend OEM or Felpro gasket. My best results appear to be when using Permatex Ultra grey. FSM does not indicate using any sealant on the 420A like on the 4G63 though.

 

[Widgmaster]

I have three completely different diagrams in my Haynes Manual ..The first is.... oh crap .. I go to the bathroom for a leak and the nice gentleman above has answered your question... You can use RTV but sparingly , just enough to hold the gasket in place . So I took care of my leak and Mello took care of yours.

 

[1999RSfwd]

Here you go https://www.2gnt.com/index.php?d=Replacing%20valve%20cover%20and%20spark%20plug%20gaskets

 

[dsmcrzy]

The 2gnt link is the way to go. I have never had a VC leak after following that.

 

[Silver99OZ]

The 2gnt link is the best method. Permatex Ultra Grey works well. I have used both oem gasket kits and felpro on my car. I like the oem the best, but the felpro kit is pretty good as well. I would highly recommend replacing the rubber grommets that the bolts go thru as well.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

The 2gnt link is the best method. Permatex Ultra Grey works well. I have used both oem gasket kits and felpro on my car. I like the oem the best, but the felpro kit is pretty good as well. I would highly recommend replacing the rubber grommets that the bolts go thru as well.

Yea I bought new grommets as well. Fel-Pro everything.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I replaced the gaskets and grommets 2 more times after making this thread. The leak just kept getting worse and worse. It became a smokeshow... oil being dumped onto my downpipe. So I found out that my stock valve cover was warped. I laid it on the flat floor and it rocked from corner to corner, ALOT. So I did the same test on my new valve cover. No rocking. Put it on and it sealed! I really didn't want to use my newly coated valve cover because it was so pretty and would be a good topping for my new engine... but! I couldn't stop driving my Eclipse because of that.