I wanted to give my 03 X-type a tune up, new plugs, filters, gaskets, etc.
When I went to change the plugs I noticed oil in the plug wells, so I ordered a set of valve cover gaskets, I researched everything related to X-type valve cover gasket replacement and read through the JTIS. I can get in and do the work, no problem, however I'm a little puzzled as to where to apply the sealant.

 

CWM, the sealant most likely needs to be applied where the gasket goes up and over the camshaft. Due to the sharp bend that the gasket has to make, it won't always seal there. So, a means to make things better, they reinforce this area with a little bit of RTV to help it seal better.

In short, anywhere that the valve cover does not remain flat, at the corners is where you are going to want to apply the RTV/sealant.

 

I'm about to do this, where did you get your gaskets? Thanks.

 

I went with Fel-Pro valve cover gaskets and Permatex Ultra Black RTV sealant. along with Fel-Pro upper and lower intake manifold gaskets. I ordered them through Amazon Prime, and had them in two days. I also changed the TB gasket, plugs, air and fuel filter, and cleaned the MAF sensor.

 

Thanks Christopher, I too ordered the Fel-Pros from Amazon. Did they fit properly? I noticed a review for the valve cover gaskets said one of the inner gaskets was a little big.

 

In my experience with the cam cover gaskets and spark plug boss seals, the aftermarket parts do not perform as well as the Jaguar gaskets and seals, so now I only use the OEM parts for such work.

 

Tom, I didn't have any problems replacing them. I used a little RTV around the gaskets as a secondary measure, and the required amount in the areas needed. My biggest advice would be to just take your time, cover the cams when cleaning, plug the Intake holes so dirt an debris doesn't get down in the valves, and have a telescopic magnet handy incase you drop an 8mm deep well socket in the engine bay.

 

Realize this is an old thread, but - Put in the Fel=pro set from Amazon about 20,000 miles ago, had a coil fail, did plugs, coils, cam cover gaskets, etc. Just had another coil fail, this one melted - random misfire, primary fault on #3, confirmed misses on 1, 3, 5. Point is, had to pull the rear cam cover to get the coil out, found oil in the plug wells, cam caver outer seals were great, isolators were OK, inside plug well seal hard as a rock, looks like no way it was silicone. Recommend anyone doing this look for something different. Always thought Fel-Pro did OK, but not cheerfull now. BTW, oil in front plug wells as well, so probably the same there.
Mike