Hey guys, just got a new kit of Cometic gaskets for the top end in the mail today. I currently have James gaskets in there.. but the rocker covers have been taken off and put back on quite a few times and now i have a slight leak so needed to replace them. I open up the package today and the upper and lower rocker cover gaskets are not exactly "laying flat". They aren't all bent up, just not flat as I expected. Is this an issue or will they just squeeze down flat and be OK? Also, the James gaskets that i currently have, have a bead (of silicon or something) lining the edges, these Cometic gaskets are just aluminum. No bead. Are these going to give much of a seal at all? Would anyone recommend using a gasket sealant? Hopefully someone can chime in with experience or advice so I can either move forward with the install or return them. Thanks ahead of time.

 

they should be coated and as far as bent?? are they creased? or just a warped look? they won't be just a flat piece they have a sot of a wave. I have them in mine and work great no leaks, been in there for close to 30k. They are just very thin and when compressed they lay right. A very common type of gasket they all use today

 

If the gasket has a wave to it, no problem. But like was said, if its creased I wouldn't run it. You could always spray them with a copper sealant, but no need to.

 

yeah no creases... just a little warped looking. And there is not a coating, does look to be raised somewhat in areas kind of like a bead but no bead. What are your thoughts on using gasket sealant? Thanks again guys

 

My cometic's looked the same way..as long as they're not bent (like said), they'll flatten out when your torque down the rocker box covers.

 

A silicone based sealer would not be needed, unless otherwise noted by the manufacturer.