I have questions about painting my valve cover. i paln to paint it red wrikle i am just worried that If im gonna take it off will i be needing a new head gasket? or can i just put it back? will it leak? I have a friend who owns a 240sx his leaked, so any chance i can prevent it without having to buy a new gasket?

 

no it should still be just fine.i just did mine and it was in really good condition.you just have to make sure you silicone the corners on either side of the "hump" in the gasket when you replace the cover. heres how mine turned out

 

I have had my Valve cover off several different times for repaint and each time i have put it back on with the stock gasket with no leaks

 

yeah, but if u take it off, you should replace. it ain't THAT expensive...damn.

 

It depends on how old that gasket is. You can try to put the cover back on and see if it leaks and if it does then you should buy a new gasket. Very inexpensive to get one and if you dont have the money put some silicone on where the leaks are for a temporary fix.

 

where can i buy the gasket? coz im planning to paint mine

 

you dont have to get a head gasket...it would be a valve cover gasket...they are like 7 bucks or something at ur local parts store...goodluck with the paint...the best way to take the paint off is aircraft remover...let sit for 10 -15 mins then pressure wash it off...wait to dry , rub the whole thing with a brillo pad then paint....it will come out amazing... good luck and post pix when complete.

 

Why paint it? Spend the twenty to thirty dollars and have it powdered coated in the color you want. Lasts forever and does not chip. Then spend the 10 bucks and get a new gasket and spark plug tube seals and grommets. Avoid leaks whenever you can.

 

I second the opinion to powdercoat it. PM Running295, he is the forums PC'er.

 

valve cover gasket @ AutoZone...bout $10