preferred valve cover gasket sealant

[ericg]

I've gotten several different opinions from local mechanics about what sealant to use when replacing the valve cover gaskets. Thoughts?

[manoa matt]

None, just use the gaskets. If you must use something, the spray or brush on type that sticks the gasket to one surface could be used. You don't want to stick it to both surfaces as you may need to open the valve covers to do an adjustment.

Stay away from Silicone RTV type sealants. It's rare that people ever install it right, usually there are globs that squish out. If it squishes out on the inside and gets into the oil, it can clog the oil galleys and possibly starve an engine bearing.

[majicwrench]

What Matt said. None. Was not designed to have anythign but gasket there, and gasket will seal just fine. Silicone sealer just makes it slippery.
Keith