Guys,
Had to put a new alternator on today (pain) so I went ahead and replaced my thermostat and attempted to reseal my valve cover.

When I bought the car the owner gave me a spare that he was painting blue. The original had a leak, so I finished painting the new one and installed it on my car. From the middle of the right side of the head to the middle of the front side never sealed properly, which I attributed to my genius self not using silicone underneath the gasket.

I took it back apart today, inspected and cleaned the gasket (looked fine), applied silicone to the head and around the bolt holes, and it's already wet in the same place.

I'd like to know if anyone has had a similar experience. I'm beginning to think that my valve cover is defective, but I couldn't begin to think why.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Is it a brand new valve cover ? if not it may be warped had the same problem...

take if off and set it on a flat table and see if there is a gap anywhere, might just need a new gasket

Is it a brand new valve cover ? if not it may be warped had the same problem...

It's not, and this is what I was afraid of. I think, however, that what I assumed was leakage was just a little left over oil from taking it off. So far it's dry, so I'm crossing my fingers. I think I was a little paranoid (and stressed out from banging my hands up for 6 hours).

Thanks for the responses, guys.

Guys,
Had to put a new alternator on today (pain) so I went ahead and replaced my thermostat and attempted to reseal my valve cover.

When I bought the car the owner gave me a spare that he was painting blue. The original had a leak, so I finished painting the new one and installed it on my car. From the middle of the right side of the head to the middle of the front side never sealed properly, which I attributed to my genius self not using silicone underneath the gasket.

I took it back apart today, inspected and cleaned the gasket (looked fine), applied silicone to the head and around the bolt holes, and it's already wet in the same place.

I'd like to know if anyone has had a similar experience. I'm beginning to think that my valve cover is defective, but I couldn't begin to think why.

Thanks in advance for your input.

could have swore your not supposed to put silicone on valve cover gaskets but i might be wrong

only on the little half circle spots