Hey all,

This might sound like a dumb question but what is the pro/cons of Rubber valve cover seal vs cork. I am a new dad on a budget and Napa has both but a huge price difference for the rubber seal.

1995 Cherokee Sport 4.0L 2WD

 

Pro and cons cork gasket cheap, cons don't last as long and leak very easy if under pressure such as valve cover gasket. Pro and cons of rubber. Last really long and work well under pressure some say you can re use them if you need to take them off and do work. I wouldn't trust reusing them. Cons. Expensive. You get what you pay for. Not saying cork is bad just not a permanent fix like a plug in a tire you need to get it patched.

For any gasket I use Fel-pro valve cover, oil pan and so on. Can be found on rockauto.com

 

I have Felpro permadrys. Expensive but they keep my engine clean.

 

rubber is more forgiving for a mistake on istalling. can be re installed if still maluable. cork is a one time try usually. i run cork just cause of the cost. cork and RTV high temp silicone.

 

Rubber is better and will save you money in the long run. It's a lot easier to remove when it comes time to replace it again too, but the life of the rubber is ten times longer than the cork.

 

I rock the cork with alittle RTV, had to retighten a few times but never had issues.

 

Trust me from someone who went the cheap route first and then replaced it months down the road. Do it right the first time. Spend the ~$40 and get the felpro one. It last a lot longer.

 

Torque retention and price.

if you plan on keeping the car for a good while.
dont go cheap..

what happens with cork is you go and torque the bolt to 30ft lbs and then the cork is compressed over time the cork compresses more and more and sooner than later the bolt is only at 20ft lbs or less. and sooner then later it will start a leak. CANNOT be reused.

rubber on the other hand will hold its shape.
if you get rubber gaskets and are careful with them you CAN reuse them
i have reused my lubelocker diff gaskets at least 3 times each.

 

Thanks for the advise everyone think I will go with the rubber gasket. This is a really great forum you all have answered my questions many times!! I always took my cars to the shop but after taking a huge pay cut and birth of my son im trying to take care of my Jeep on my own.