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Engine Valve Cover Gasket Overview

The valve cover gasket forms a critical seal between the valve cover and the top of the engine’s cylinder head. Its primary function is to prevent engine oil and oil vapors from leaking at this junction. To do so effectively, the gasket must offer enough compressibility to accommodate minor surface imperfections and maintain a tight seal.

Modern valve cover gaskets are typically made from rubber or other elastomeric materials. Some are simple rubber gaskets, while others may include metal or composite reinforcements to provide added strength and durability.

In contrast, older European or classic vehicles may use cork or similar natural materials for the gasket. These materials are particularly sensitive to installation technique and torque specifications. Extra care must be taken during installation to avoid over-tightening and damaging the gasket, especially with cork, which can be easily crushed and rendered ineffective.

Engine Valve Cover Gasket

The valve cover gasket seals the valve cover to the uppermost portion of your engine’s cylinder head and keeps oil and oil vapors from leaking at that connection. It must have some amount of crush or elasticity to fill in gaps between the two surfaces, sealing the connection. Typically on most modern vehicles the valve cover gasket is made from rubber or other elastomer materials. Sometimes this can be just a rubber gasket, and others it may be reinforced with metals or other materials to lend more strength and rigidity to the application.

Older classic European cars may use a cork or similar natural material. Both are sensitive to the installation process and tightening torques, but you must take extra special care with cork gaskets to avoid crushing the gasket and causing a leak.