Hi, I am refurbishing my cam cover on my 4.0 XJS and installing new seals and coil gaskets. I purchased all the parts from SJ Barrett, and everything looks good. When the cam cover gasket came it was in all twisted up in a mail envelope. I took it and hung it to get the wrinkle's out. As I tried to install it today the gasket is actually a little larger in length than it needs to be. QUESTION, could it have stretched from hanging it up? 2. Can I cut a small piece out of each side to get a correct fit. I'm replacing because of some small oil leaks.
Thanks

 

You have an aftermarket gasket, most likely, those things are all too long. Will they work, I think so, but it’s a beast to get it to stick to the camcover long enough to mount it properly. It can be done.

I would suggest using some gasket dressing like Permtex Permashield 85420. It’ll help it stick.

Do not cut it.

 

Thanks, actually put it in the refrigerator and it shrunk just enough to get it in. Permatex helped.