Stop Valve Cover Oil Leaks Fast: 5-Step Guide with XPERTCHEMY Blue Gasket Maker

08/12/2025
15:10

Stop Valve Cover Oil Leaks Fast with Blue Gasket Maker (5 Steps)

Introduction
Valve cover seepage is one of the most common DIY-friendly oil leaks. A quality blue RTV like XPERTCHEMY® Ultra Series Blue Gasket Maker 85g offers oil resistance and flexibility for aluminum/magnesium covers. Follow this 5-step process to restore a clean seal.

Tools & materials

XPERTCHEMY® Ultra Series Blue Gasket Maker 85g
Plastic scraper and brake cleaner/degreaser
Lint-free wipes
Torque wrench and sockets (per your vehicle spec)
Nitrile gloves and eye protection

Step 1: Remove and clean

Remove ignition coils/PCV hoses as needed, then unbolt the valve cover.
Scrape off old RTV or gasket carefully; avoid gouging aluminum.
Degrease both the head and cover mating surfaces until dry and residue-free.

Step 2: Check warpage and contact points

Lay the cover on a flat surface; check for obvious warping or cracks.
Identify oil channel corners and half-moon plugs—these need extra attention.

Step 3: Lay the bead

Cut the nozzle to ~3 mm. Apply a continuous bead around the perimeter and bolt holes.
Add a slightly thicker bead (3.5–4 mm) at sharp corners and around cam caps/half-moons.
Avoid gaps and avoid flooding oil passages.

Step 4: Skin and assemble

Let the bead skin for ~10–15 minutes (tack stage improves sealing).
Carefully place the cover; do not slide it. Hand-tighten bolts finger-snug.

Step 5: Torque and cure

Torque in a criss-cross pattern in 2–3 passes to the OEM spec (often 7–12 Nm; check your manual).
Initial set: 1 hour before moving the vehicle. Full cure: ~24 hours before heavy load/high temp.

Pro tips

Don’t over-tighten—crushing the bead causes future leaks.
Replace brittle grommets or PCV seals while you’re there.
If the cover is warped, address it (machine/replace) or the leak will return.

Common mistakes to avoid

Applying on oily or wet surfaces.
Reusing old rubber grommets.
Driving immediately after assembly (no cure time).
Blocking oil drain-back holes with excess RTV.

Safety

Use gloves/eye protection.
Work in a ventilated area when using brake cleaner/solvents.

Quick FAQ

Can I drive immediately? No—wait at least 1 hour for initial set, 24 hours for full cure.
Temperature resistance? Blue RTV is typically good to ~260°C (500°F); check product datasheet.
Where to make extra beads? Corners, cam cap transitions, half-moons, and around bolt holes.
How thick should the bead be? About 3 mm continuous; slightly thicker at corners.

Optional call-to-action

Need a fresh tube? XPERTCHEMY® Ultra Series Blue Gasket Maker 85g is formulated for oil resistance and flexible sealing on valve covers—ideal for this repair.