Basically, remove anything that obstructs the cover and will prevent the easy removal and reinstallation.
In dealing with the main part, preparing and sealing the valve cover:
NOTE: some engines use jusr RTV as the gasket itself, others use a gasket and a coating of RTV. The amount of RTV is the difference and without a gasket, it is necessary to allow the thicker bead of RTV to set up longer before applying the two pieces together and installing the bolts.
On to the standard valve cover with a gasket.
If the cover is not a cast material, then make sure you turn the cover upside down and carefully flatten any overtightened spots where it is bolted to the head. You want the gasket area smooth and clean of any wax, oil, grease, or debris. You also want the mounting surface to be clean of oils and grease, etc., and smooth before installing the new gasket.
New gaskets leak due to improper surface prep more than any other reason!
Once the mating surfaces are clean, place the valve cover against the area it mounts to, without the gasket to make sure it isn't warped or bent causing other problems, if it's straight, apply RTV to the Valve Cover first, then installing the gasket into that part after letting the RTV sit for a minute or two you can apply the RTV to the bottom side where it will mate to the engine surface, just a thin coat should be fine, allow it to set a minute or two after making a smooth sealing surface and install. (I prefer Copper Plus for valve covers, it's orange Hi-Temp and seals well)
Do not overtighten the valve cover mounting bolts/nuts. They only get tightened to "snug", not to a torque setting as it will bend the valve cover, causing leaks. Tighten from the middle bottom, then top, then work from left to right outwards keeping the pressure even and only making things snug.
Once done, allow engine to sit a few hours for the RTV to set up after reassembling the items you had to remove to gain clearance.
If the surfaces were clean and smooth, the gasket had a light coat of
RTV on both sides-there is no reason for any leakage due to the gasket. After letting the RTV set, re-tighten, or snug the mounting bolts again, start the engine and warm up, shouldn't have any leaks. Once cool, re-check the same mounting bolts to make sure they are evenly snug.
(Things change after heat is applied and then they cool, this is just preventative maintanance)
A Vacuum gauge will identify any exhaust problems/restrictions that would cause gaskets to leak, should you encounter leakage soon after repairs.
Good luck.
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