JTIS says to apply a bead of sealant, 3mmx12mm at the meeting of the block and timing cover. What is best sealant for this? Put in the gasket dry or…? Any input appreciated, been a long time since I rebuilt engines.

 

I just used some blue RTV. You should also put some at the back, lower corner of each cam cover - even with a new gasket it will leak there and drip on the cats, releasing smoke. I haven't had any issues since I re-did it with some extra RTV there.

I put my gasket in dry, not oiled.

 

Put silicone sealant on the cylinder head where the timing cover meets the cylinder head. There is no need to put silicone sealant or engine oil anywhere else on the cam cover gaskets.

I recommend using the OEM gaskets from JLR instead of aftermarket gaskets or seals. I personally have not had success with aftermarket gaskets and seals as they leak prematurely.

 

Be super careful with the left side due to the dipstick. If you get the tube too far out of the hole you'll never get it back in. Some gently twist and pull until the tube comes up a bit, just enough to get the cam cover off. Others leave the dipstick in so that there's a guide back into the hole. Fiddly work.

 

another vote for gaskets dry. The surfaces must be super clean. I use paint thinner on a white cloth. Keep rubbing at it until the cloth comes away still white. Let dry completely before placing gasket .

the best RTV I’ve used is this , the tube is small and pricey, but none better for use anywhere where RTV is called for, Not just around the water pump.

 

I believe most of the kits contain them, but if not, consider replacing all the rubber isolators (NCA2575CA), as they provide the clamping force to the cam covers. They bake and harden in the heat at the top of the motor.

 

Thanks for all the tips. Gaskets we’re done 3.5 years ago by a shop, started leaking 2 years ago, front and rear so I wanted to get it right this time. The gaskets currently on are genuine Jag. Prices I have so far have Jag set 10 x generic!

 

Should the bead of sealant lay across the joint or along it?

 

If you run a bead, it goes perpendicular to the head/timing cover joint and in line with the cam cover gasket. I usually just put a small round daub of RTV about the size of a large pea on the seam and don't bother trying to make a bead. The point is to seal the very small space at the joint that the rubber gasket is not compliant enough to fill. You also do not want to apply so much RTV that it squeezes out from under the gasket so far that when it hardens, the blob on the edge inside the cam cover breaks off and makes its way into oil ports or the oil pump pickup screen.

Cheers,

Don

 

Cleaned it all and removed the previous black sealant with a razor. Result is a smooth surface between head and valve cover. Is a new bead of sealant even required?

 

is it clean down to the bare metal, cleaned with a strong solvent like paint thinner ?

that must be done. Razor blade clean is not
close to being clean enough.

yes, once cleaned properly you must use the RTV as directed by the manual.

 

There will still be a tiny crack between the two metal surfaces so even though it feels smooth, the hot oil/vapour will find its way through. It's not the end of the world as not enough oil will leak through to cause a problem but it's so easy to just clean the surfaces with solvent and put a small blob of RTV on the crack that it wouldn't make sense not to do it.

Richard

 

RTV it is then. Thank you all. I hope this fix lasts longer than the 2 years by the pro’s.

 

the pros are over rated. They are in a hurry, only being paid a set amount for a job no matter how long it takes them.


you, in the other hand, can take as long as you wish. Making sure you are satisfied every step of the way before proceeding to the next step.

Z

 

Gasket kit arrived this afternoon. Gambled and ordered a Fel Pro valve cover kit for a 2001 Lincoln LS from Rock Auto. Assembled this afternoon, perfect fit. Will install later. Cam cover gasket set from Jaguar Canada $335.00, Rock Auto $35.00. Even if it fails yearly, I am ahead for at least 10 years, except for my time.

 

Gasket sealer type is really up to you. Yes jaguar will spec a certain brand/type, but in the end, make the choice on what’s being sealed to what, the sealers spec as to heat resistance and or types of chemicals that won’t interfere or deteriorate it, the pressure the sealer will be up against, etc….

when i did my timing chains and guides I replaced the cam cover gaskets (as well as many others) and I had some grey rtv, that I originally bought for a transmission oil pan. It withstood high temps, high pressures and multiple oils and solvents so that’s what I used. Have had no leaks or drips, just follow manufacturer instructions for best seal

that being said, certain types will be no good for the same application, such as a copper infused silicone type more rated for cooling systems and whatnot. Just read the packaging to be sure, but like stated by other members most normal types will be suitable, black/blue/grey rtv and such, plus many others. If still unsure post a pic of what you plan on using, and someone will let you know if it will work.

side note, picking sealants is almost like asking what brand oil is best, as many will work, there will be varying opinions, and no matter what 100% of all the members won’t have the same opinion. Not that anyone is wrong, but to each their own. Good luck!

 

I go out of my way to use Fel-Pro gaskets whenever I can. I can't remember having premature failure of any of them. They tend to be a little "over-engineered" and made of premium materials, so you should be happy with yours.

Cheers,

Don

 

right stuff

 

Look at the covers verrrrry carefully. They are known to develop small cracks. My RH cover developed a tiny crack near the RR corner where, coincidentally, there's a small leak.

Just to stir the sealant pot, I use Hondabond for lots of things. It's very very good.

 

Years ago I used yamabond grey sealant on the transmission pan of my x-type, because it was what I had on hand and met the criteria jaguar had speced. Never had a problem or leak. Again, sealant brands are more of an opinionated thing, but as long as what you use meets Jaguar specs you’re fine.