Alrashid2 319 #1 Posted December 20, 2024 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! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,959 #2 Posted December 20, 2024 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. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alrashid2 319 #3 Posted December 20, 2024 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bar Nuthin 703 #4 Posted December 20, 2024 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,550 #5 Posted December 20, 2024 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 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alrashid2 319 #6 Posted December 21, 2024 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... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,568 #7 Posted December 21, 2024 23 minutes ago, Alrashid2 said: wonder how that happened? Blame “I dunno”, they cause lots of trouble. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark siebenaler 107 #8 Posted December 21, 2024 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,907 #9 Posted December 21, 2024 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bar Nuthin 703 #10 Posted December 21, 2024 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gt14rider 804 #11 Posted December 21, 2024 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alrashid2 319 #12 Posted December 21, 2024 Thanks guys. I'll pick up some of these things and probably work on this between Christmas and New Years Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,743 #13 Posted December 23, 2024 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! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bar Nuthin 703 #14 Posted December 26, 2024 Most thin metal covers require just the right amount of torque to avoid deforming the cover while still achieving a firm seat against the gasket. Good news is you can usually reshape/flatten the mating surface with a little finesse, a light hammer, and a flat surface. Somewhere you can probably find the torque specs, but I've always managed to get by on sense of feel. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alrashid2 319 #15 Posted Thursday at 07:40 PM (edited) Hey guys, update. Used the black RTV to seal the camshaft cover. Cured 24 hours and ran the tractor for 20 min around the property - no leaks! However, now I see a ton of oil leaking from above the camshaft cover, from this random screw here - anyone know what this screw does? Can I take it out and seal it too? Took a few photos of the front of the engine and also pointed to the screw location on a parts diagram, though I'm not seeing the screw itself listed or described anywhere... Thanks guys Edited Thursday at 07:45 PM by Alrashid2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 15,706 #16 Posted Thursday at 08:01 PM My opinion is that you do not need RTV on the gasket. If you have oil coming from places where it should not, look to see if you assembled the reed valve correctly in the crankcase ventilation system (behind that cover you put RTV on). A reed valve installed backwards will cause crankcase pressure to build and oil will be force out anywhere it can. Governor shaft is usually the first place you will see it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
