Originally Posted by
dedwards0323
When I did this repair back in 2010, I filled the breather covers with the RTV and then used the blade on my pocket knife to smooth out the amount of product within the groove, removing any excess. I didn't want a large amount of RTV showing after the breather covers were installed & torqued down. And I check the mounting screws, along with the valve cover screws, every 2 years for proper torque. I've found out that these mounting screws loosen up somewhat over time, which I believe contributes to the leaking issue. Ever since that repair and the Preventive Maintenance I perform, no signs of any leaks. I've never changed the valve cover gaskets.
I think that method is a good way to even out the RTV in the groove. Too many pictures show a very uneven layer of RTV and in some places I expect there is hardly any and that is where it blows.