R&D Factory Valve cover Gasket Set
I think R&D factory went out of business. There are plenty of DIY threads on how to remove the plastic from the valve covers. I ended up basically making that same tool they use but out of a 2x4 piece of wood. Just use a smaller holesaw to create a round piece of wood that fits on the inside diameter of the seal, I think it was 1 1/8" but I can't remember for sure, you should use a pilot bit to drill all the way lengthwise through the 2x4 before you start because it needs to be hole-sawwed from both directions. Then slide your new dowel onto the larger 2" holesaw and that will keep the 2" centered while you drill.
This method does not have that stepped-up section that they basically use as a drill stop so you will just need to pay attention that you aren't drilling deeper than needed, it's only about 3/16" thick so it doesn't require much drilling.
Seals are not a perfect fit, they are smaller in diameter than the stock seals so you need to use RTV sealant (they recommended black but I used Permatex Ultra Grey like what's recommended for the valve covers, oil pan, etc) to hold them in place. Basically you fill the inner cavity of the seal, push it onto the valve cover, then squirt more into the gap around the seal. Just make sure to thoroughly clean the valve covers, I used a garden hose and put a lot of water up under the baffle to remove all the plastic drill shavings. Then clean where the seals will mate up THOROUGHLY with brake cleaner. Needs to be a perfectly clean surface without any oil or the RTV will not bond properly.
The seals are also a fraction of a mil smaller inner diameter so it will be pretty tight putting the VC back on, make sure to apply some oil to lubricate it, I strongly recommend a test fit of one seal after you pull off the valve cover to make sure they will fit before passing the point of no return drilling the valve covers.
3+ years and no leaks.
This method does not have that stepped-up section that they basically use as a drill stop so you will just need to pay attention that you aren't drilling deeper than needed, it's only about 3/16" thick so it doesn't require much drilling.
Seals are not a perfect fit, they are smaller in diameter than the stock seals so you need to use RTV sealant (they recommended black but I used Permatex Ultra Grey like what's recommended for the valve covers, oil pan, etc) to hold them in place. Basically you fill the inner cavity of the seal, push it onto the valve cover, then squirt more into the gap around the seal. Just make sure to thoroughly clean the valve covers, I used a garden hose and put a lot of water up under the baffle to remove all the plastic drill shavings. Then clean where the seals will mate up THOROUGHLY with brake cleaner. Needs to be a perfectly clean surface without any oil or the RTV will not bond properly.
The seals are also a fraction of a mil smaller inner diameter so it will be pretty tight putting the VC back on, make sure to apply some oil to lubricate it, I strongly recommend a test fit of one seal after you pull off the valve cover to make sure they will fit before passing the point of no return drilling the valve covers.
3+ years and no leaks.
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yassy
G35 Sedan V35 2003-06
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Aug 9, 2015 07:31 PM






