Can I use RTV on both sides of the valve cover gasket?

[joesregalproject]

I bought Permatex Ultra Black Gasket RTV Gasket Maker (which I have had success with before on my rear diff) for my valve covers. They have been leaking since I've owned the car, and once the car gets hot, smoke billows out from under the hood. I've replaced the gaskets a couple times, and replaced the covers once. I was planning on using Fel-pro cork gaskets with a layer of the Permatex on either side. Is it okay to use the Permatex on both the valve cover side of the gasket and the head side of the gasket? I'm pretty sure it is leaking from the head side. Btw, Ultra Black dries to a rubbery, latex texture, not rock-hard like some RTVs.

 

[pontiacgp]

Cork gaskets are the best to use and won't need any rtv

 

[joesregalproject]

I used dry cork ones last time and they still leaked. :?:

 

[pontiacgp]

are the valve covers warped or damaged?

 

[joesregalproject]

are the valve covers warped or damaged?

Nope, they are brand-new Edelbrock covers.

 

[pontiacgp]

that's weird that they leaked with cork. I've had problems with the reusable felpro rubber but never their cork gaskets. But back to your question I would only use the rtv on the side that sits on the cover

 

[joesregalproject]

Yeah it is weird. That sucks, The gasket was all wet on the head side.

 

[pontiacgp]

the heads don't have any paint, old gasket maker or any other glue on them do they?

 

[joesregalproject]

the heads don't have any paint, old gasket maker or any other glue on them do they?

Nope, they are bare aluminum.

 

[tc1959]

Don't use RTV on valve cover gaskets it just makes them slip out of place and leak worse. I have been using these for the last 5 years and have never had one leak, they have a steel insert and are double thick, You install them dry.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-1604/overview/ They also have a one year warrantee.