I changed the valve cover gasket and used some hi-temp silicone. On the block-side, I used a 1/16" - 1/8" bead around bolt holes, corners, and the half-moon areas.

On the valver cover-side, I used a 1/16" - 1/8" bead on the entire mating surface since the surface wasn't entirely smooth.

I noticed some squeeze-out of the silicone on the outside and expect some on the inside.

Should I redo the damn thing minus the additional silicone???

This has me worried (http://groups.msn.com/ChevroletNova/restotips.msnw?action=get_message&mview=0&ID_Message=6910&LastModified=4675516539560741908)

Btw, this is for an e34 525iT w/ an M50. Thanks.

RTV on VCs?

shouldn't they be installed dry?

hopefully your oil pump won't starve from the RTV floating around in the oil pan.

According to the bentley, it says to use some type of adhesive around the half moon areas

it didnt say rtv however

RTV on VCs?

shouldn't they be installed dry?

hopefully your oil pump won't starve from the RTV floating around in the oil pan.

It's recommended to use some... guess I was paranoid and overzealous. I haven't started the engine yet so nothing to worry about at this point. Looks like a do-over to me though. Great, what fun.

According to the bentley, it says to use some type of adhesive around the half moon areas

it didnt say rtv however
This is what I used:
http://www.autoaccessconnect.com/pehirtvsigam.html

This is what I used:
http://www.autoaccessconnect.com/pehirtvsigam.html
Ha, and what I <b>SHOULD</b> have used (it didn't specify a temp rating on package, so I didn't get it):
http://www.autoaccessconnect.com/pesesablrtvs.html

according to:
http://www.unofficialbmw.com/all/engine/all_o2sensor.html ("What will damage my...")

You shouldn't use any sealant at all, except in the corners of the half moons.

I forget what I use is called, it's gray and not RTV.

high temp RTV is orange/copper color. use that on exhuast.

for intake, VC, etc use blue, black or gray. sometimes an adhesive helps keep the gasket in place during assembly. I forgot the name but it comes in a can with a brush and smells like cherry cough medicine.

You shouldn't use any sealant at all, except in the corners of the half moons.

I forget what I use is called, it's gray and not RTV.

Do you mean Permatex Ultra Grey?

http://www.permatex.com/auto/autouh.asp?automotive=yes&f_call=get_item&item_no=82194

This is what I used and it seemed to work well.

high temp RTV is orange/copper color. use that on exhuast.

for intake, VC, etc use blue, black or gray. sometimes an adhesive helps keep the gasket in place during assembly. I forgot the name but it comes in a can with a brush and smells like cherry cough medicine.
For exhaust, you're referring to this right?
http://www.autoaccessconnect.com/peulcohirtvs.html
Although IIRC it's still recommended to use an actual metal gasket (or none at all) there.

Adhesive? Brush Tack?

I believe for a valve cover, blue (sensor safe) is the way to go.

Permatex makes a specific sealant for waterpumps/thermostats (it's also gray).

There should be a "which silicone where" thread...

I wouldn't stress over it, if it comes loose the worst it could do is get caught in the oil filter.

^ I did 2 valve cover changes and on both I used the black silicone (same brand as yours) It works well, I dont get any problems and the block is perfectly dry (20k since I did it)

Tom