Re: Cam cover gaskets

[Eddi Jew <jew@rysa.dtc.hp.com>]

 > Gasket 1: This one looked like the traditional 'Murikan oil
 > pan gasket. It was cork, open at the front end. A rubber seal
 > was provided that went over the front cam bearing. A rubber
 > plug filled the hole at the back of the head

 > Gasket 2: This one is much more in the Japanese tradition, 
 > being a one-piece deal, except for the plug at the back. It is
 > a black rubber, and has three or four ribs along each side.
 > The part that seals the top of the front cam bearing is 
 > integral with the rest of it. It has copper inserts where
 > the studs go through.

 > Personally, I like the rubber one (Gasket #2) much
 > better - reliability (i.e., leak-proof-ness) seems much
 > more designed in, as opposed to relying more on careful 
 > installation, which Gasket #1 definately requires. Anyone
 > know which is the "correct" gasket?

Assuming both fit your car, the "correct" one is the "better" one, and I
also like the rubber (synthetic?) gasket. After I found out about the
black one, I'd gone to it since (hadn't needed to buy a second one yet). 
The incremental higher cost is a good investment if one considers the 
hassle of "careful installation" and any redo/rebuy if the corked one 
leaks. 

Looks good enough to be reused in a pinch if you get caught to do some
unscheduled surgery.

Happiness is not seeing a pool of oil on your intake manifold :).

 > Eric T.    '86 5000S

-- Eddi
'86 5000S 5spd
'86 VW GTI