Camshaft Cover leaking oil - can I use RTV?

[Alrashid2 310]

Hey guys. When I bought this 312-8 a few months ago, noticed it was just dripping oil on the front of the Kohler K301. One by one, I've been replacing gaskets and getting it to stay clean. Worried last about losing oil and more about the dripping and subsequently sticking of dust and such. 

 

Anyway, have replaced the gaskets for the carb, fuel filter, breather, point cover, and the camshaft cover. Well, they're all staying dry except for the camshaft cover. It was dripping before and is still dripping with a new gasket. 

 

Yes, I did clean the engine surface as well as the camshaft cover surface, as best as I could. It looked like it has been a bit rust before as the camshaft cover surface was not perfectly smooth.

 

Wanted to ask, any harm in using RTV instead of a gasket? Thinking I can remove gasket, clean up cover, spread the RTV bead on, lightly screw into place and after a few hours tighten her down and let it cure 24 hours. Thanks for the advice!

[pfrederi 17,886]

I do not like RTV but sometimes it is the answer..(or non hardening gasket sealant).  Just smear a very thin coat (very thin) on both sides of the gasket.

[Alrashid2 310]

Oh interesting, you're saying to use RTV with a gasket? Didn't even think about that. I was just going to use straight RTV. THanks for weighing in

[Bar Nuthin 542]

12 minutes ago, pfrederi said:

Just smear a very thin coat (very thin) on both sides of the gasket.

 

You'd probably have good clean results using spray high-tack.  Spray both sides of the gasket and hang it up until it gets tacky.

Permatex 12 oz. High-Tack Gasket Sealant, 9 oz. Net Weight, -65 - 500 Deg F (-54 - 260 Deg C) Temp Range at Tractor Supply Co

[ri702bill 8,507]

And another technique..... the Carb to block gasket if loose is somewhat of a PITA juggling act. I like to use the spray high-tack on the carb flange and the flange side of the gasket. This way the gasket is part of the carb. Then I use a THIN layer of high temp grease on the block. Carb removal and reinstallation is much easier down the road...

Bill

[Alrashid2 310]

Thanks guys, all good information...

 

I pulled my camshaft cover and found the BRAND NEW gasket I installed is ripped on the bottom right bolt hole... wonder how that happened?

 

Anyway, I was hoping I could just go 100% RTV and not use a gasket. I see no need to open this component up anytime soon (famous last words) - do you guys advise against just using RTV only? Seemed more simple to me - less components and layers for a leak to find a way through. You know, Occam's Razor...

[Handy Don 12,467]

23 minutes ago, Alrashid2 said:

wonder how that happened?

Blame “I dunno”, they cause lots of trouble.

[Mark siebenaler 96]

12 hours ago, Alrashid2 said:

Hey guys. When I bought this 312-8 a few months ago, noticed it was just dripping oil on the front of the Kohler K301. One by one, I've been replacing gaskets and getting it to stay clean. Worried last about losing oil and more about the dripping and subsequently sticking of dust and such. 

 

Anyway, have replaced the gaskets for the carb, fuel filter, breather, point cover, and the camshaft cover. Well, they're all staying dry except for the camshaft cover. It was dripping before and is still dripping with a new gasket. 

 

Yes, I did clean the engine surface as well as the camshaft cover surface, as best as I could. It looked like it has been a bit rust before as the camshaft cover surface was not perfectly smooth.

 

Wanted to ask, any harm in using RTV instead of a gasket? Thinking I can remove gasket, clean up cover, spread the RTV bead on, lightly screw into place and after a few hours tighten her down and let it cure 24 hours. Thanks for the advice!

Get a gasket or make your own. 

[oliver2-44 9,872]

I like this Aviation Permatex.  Put some on the cover and let it tack, install gasket, put some on other gasket surface and install.  Its a little smelly.  My dad used it on aircraft work for  years, so I guess the smell reminds me of him!

 

https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-80019-Aviation-Gasket-Sealant/dp/B000HBM3QQ/ref=asc_df_B000HBM3QQ?mcid=4d46d4106f34344985fd830918ff7815&hvocijid=18029369764660699731-B000HBM3QQ-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18029369764660699731&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028258&hvtargid=pla-2281435179738&th=1

[Bar Nuthin 542]

14 hours ago, Alrashid2 said:

Anyway, I was hoping I could just go 100% RTV and not use a gasket.

 

While you could most likely get away with it, it seems counter-intuitive to all of your other efforts of making everything absolutely perfect.

[gt14rider 798]

Use a gasket and  spray tack or permatex #4, aviation sealant. Let it tack up a few minutes before assembly and don't over torque the bolts (torn gasket).make sure camshaft cover is flat around bolt holes. Don't over think it.

[Alrashid2 310]

Thanks guys. I'll pick up some of these things and probably work on this between Christmas and New Years

[kpinnc 12,542]

On 12/20/2024 at 7:18 PM, Alrashid2 said:

I pulled my camshaft cover and found the BRAND NEW gasket I installed is ripped on the bottom right bolt hole... wonder how that happened?

I have a leaky oil pan gasket for the same reason. It happens!