Head gasket compound

On a '82 750 Max do you need any type of gasket compound on the head gasket and also the valve cover gasket?

 

I wont comment on the head gasket itself, but on my valve cover & new gasket I used a little high-tack compound to get the gasket to stay seated in the valve cover grooves. Then, on the head side of the valve cover gasket, its a good idea to use a bit of silicone grease to lubricate the mating surfaces.

Next, on the right side of the valve cover gasket are 2 half-circle shaped lobes. At these locations it is common to get oil seepage at higher RPMs. You can eliminate this with a bit of RTV gasket compound use sparingly at the half circle locations to fully seal the gasket there.

Something else to consider regarding valve covers.. Make sure you are refreshing the rubber pressure washers installed on each of the valve cover bolts. These rubber washers are what actually exert force on the valve cover to get a propper seal. If they arent in good shape, no amout of torque or RTV will give you the seal you need.

Good luck

 

On the topic of silicone grease... I'm going to replace the o-rings between both the petcock and fuel level sender and the fuel tank itself. Do you recommend using grease on all 0-ring (re)placement? If so, what kind (brand?) I've seen some in tube form, other in a jar...? Thanks...