Best Permatex for Valve Cover Gasket: 10 Sealants Tested 2025

I’ve swapped countless valve cover gaskets over the years, and I know the pain of a slow, persistent oil leak. A quality valve cover job isn’t just about the rubber gasket; often, you need the right sealant—the best permatex for valve cover gasket—to ensure a tight seal, especially around corners, seams, and where the head meets the timing cover. This comprehensive guide breaks down ten top Permatex formulas, focusing on their real-world performance against engine heat, high torque, and oil saturation, helping you pick the perfect sealant for your next project.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Permatex 82180 Ultra Black Maximum Oil Resistance RTV…	View on Amazon
	Permatex 82194 Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque RTV Silicone…	View on Amazon
	Permatex 80016 Form-A-Gasket #2 Sealant, 3 oz. , Blue	View on Amazon
	Permatex 82180 Ultra Black RTV Silicone Gasket Maker	View on Amazon
	Permatex 81630 Ultra Red High Temperature Gasket Maker, 3 oz	View on Amazon
	Permatex 85080 Ultra Black Maximum Oil Resistance RTV…	View on Amazon
	Permatex 22074 Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque RTV Silicone…	View on Amazon
	Permatex 80022 Sensor-Safe Blue RTV Silicone Gasket Maker,…	View on Amazon
	Permatex 80012 Black Cut Gasket Coating, Flexible,…	View on Amazon
	Permatex 81182 Gear Oil RTV Gasket Maker, 3 oz (Packaging…	View on Amazon

Permatex 82180 Ultra Black Maximum Oil Resistance RTV Silicone Gasket Maker, Sensor Safe And Non-Corrosive, For High Flex And Oil Resistant Applications 3 oz

If your engine is older or known for being particularly oily, the Ultra Black 82180 is often considered the industry standard. It’s specifically formulated to achieve superior adhesion to surfaces that aren’t perfectly clean, resisting the breakdown caused by engine oil and other powertrain fluids. This formula maintains high flexibility even after curing, making it ideal for the thermal expansion and vibration experienced by valve covers.

Key features that stand out:
– Non-Corrosive Formula: Sensor-safe for modern engines.
– Superior Resistance: Excellent barrier against engine oil, gear lube, and coolants.
– High Flexibility: Designed to retain flexibility despite thermal cycling.
– Temperature Range: Handles -65°F to 500°F intermittent.

Pros:
– Industry leader for maximum oil resistance.
– Excellent adhesion, even on slightly oily surfaces.
– Works great as a replacement for traditional gaskets.
– Quick setting compared to other RTVs.

Cons:
– Requires a full cure time for maximum fluid resistance.

Best for: High-mileage engines or applications where extreme oil resistance is paramount.

Expert Opinion: This is my default recommendation for general-purpose valve cover work, especially on older American V8s or situations where you need to reinforce corners where a traditional gasket might fail.

Permatex 82194 Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque RTV Silicone Gasket Maker, Sensor Safe And Non-Corrosive, For High Torque And Vibration Resistant Applications, 3 oz

The Ultra Grey formula is engineered for modern engines that utilize rigid flange materials and require maximum vibration resistance. If you’re working on high-torque, high-vibration applications, particularly those found in imported vehicles, the Ultra Grey provides a robust, tough, and flexible silicone rubber gasket. It handles intense torque loads without hardening or cracking, ensuring the seal remains intact under duress.

Key features that stand out:
– High Performance Formula: Specifically designed for “formed-in-place” gaskets in mechanical assemblies.
– Maximum Vibration Resistance: Ideal for modern engines with closely spaced bolts.
– High Torque Loads: Withstands structural flexing far better than standard silicone.
– Non-Corrosive: Completely sensor-safe.

Pros:
– Exceptional resistance to movement and high joint loads.
– Reliable replacement for pre-cut gaskets.
– Excellent temperature range (-65°F to 500°F).

Cons:
– While oil-resistant, it prioritizes rigidity over sheer oil-saturation resistance (like Ultra Black).

Best for: High-torque domestic and import engines, or jobs where vibration is a primary concern.

Expert Opinion: When dealing with aluminum valve covers that bolt onto aluminum heads, where differing expansion rates cause stress, the Ultra Grey’s ability to handle high torque makes it the ideal choice.

Permatex 80016 Form-A-Gasket #2 Sealant, 3 oz. , Blue

Permatex Form-A-Gasket #2 is not an RTV gasket maker, but rather a sealant designed to work with a pre-cut gasket (like cork or rubber). It’s a classic, slow-drying, non-hardening compound that coats the traditional gasket, filling minor imperfections on the mating surfaces. Its non-hardening nature means that if you need to disassemble the valve cover later, the material won’t be cemented in place.

Key features that stand out:
– Slow-Drying, Non-Hardening: Allows for easy future disassembly.
– Gasket Dressing: Designed specifically to coat and seal existing cut gaskets.
– Fluid Resistance: Resists gasoline, oil, and grease.
– Aviation Approved: A proven formula used across high-reliability applications.

Pros:
– Excellent for filling minor scars on older flanges.
– Prolongs the life and reliability of cork/rubber gaskets.
– Easy to clean during future repairs.

Cons:
– Cannot be used alone as a formed-in-place gasket replacement.

Best for: Traditional cork or rubber valve cover gaskets needing extra sealing reliability.

Expert Opinion: If I’m using an old-school cork valve cover gasket on a classic car, I always use a thin film of Form-A-Gasket #2 to ensure the best permatex for valve cover gasket performance and prevent those common seep spots.

Permatex 82180 Ultra Black RTV Silicone Gasket Maker (Alternative Size/Packaging)

This is functionally the same powerful formula as the 82180 reviewed above, emphasizing high flexibility and maximum oil resistance. Included here primarily due to alternative common packaging (sometimes sold in carded packaging rather than boxed), it’s crucial to remember that this specific formula is OEM specified and approved, indicating its reliability in factory-level applications where oil resistance is paramount.

Key features that stand out:
– High Flexibility and Oil Resistance: Maximum protection against powertrain fluids.
– Sensor-Safe, Non-Corrosive: Protects sensitive electronic components.
– Eliminates Pre-Formed Gaskets: Effective as a stand-alone gasket maker.

Pros:
– Proven performance in oil-soaked environments.
– Excellent ability to adhere to oily flanges.
– OEM specified reliability.

Cons:
– Requires thorough surface prep, like all RTVs, to achieve maximum bond strength.

Best for: High oil exposure areas, particularly timing cover seams meeting the head/valve cover line.

Expert Opinion: Always confirm the tube number (82180) to ensure you are getting the flagship oil-resistant formula, regardless of the outer packaging design.

Permatex 81630 Ultra Red High Temperature Gasket Maker, 3 oz

While oil resistance is the primary concern for a valve cover, sometimes extreme heat is a factor—especially in turbocharged or highly stressed engines where the valve cover is near hot exhaust manifolds. Ultra Red 81630 is built for high-temperature applications, boasting an intermittent heat resistance up to 650°F (399°C).

Key features that stand out:
– High Temperature Performance: Withstands temperatures significantly higher than standard RTV.
– Sensor-Safe and Low Odor: Suitable for use in modern emission systems.
– Flexible: Maintains good flexibility, crucial for parts that expand under heat.

Pros:
– Excellent choice for engines running exceptionally hot.
– Can be used as a dressing or a full gasket maker.
– Meets OE silicone gasket performance specs.

Cons:
– Not explicitly formulated for maximum oil adhesion like Ultra Black.

Best for: High-performance, turbocharged, or supercharged engines where temperatures exceed typical operating ranges.

Expert Opinion: If your valve cover runs extremely close to a turbocharger or exhaust crossover pipe, opting for the Ultra Red gives you necessary heat protection that standard black or grey RTV might not sustain long-term.

Permatex 85080 Ultra Black Maximum Oil Resistance RTV Silicone Gasket Maker, Sensor Safe And Non-Corrosive, For High Flex And Oil Resistant Applications 9.5 oz

This is the large, professional-sized cartridge version of the trusted Ultra Black 82180, designed for continuous shop use or major projects. Using the larger cartridge format allows for faster application with a caulking gun, which is far easier when sealing large, complex valve covers or working on multiple vehicles. The performance characteristics remain identical to the smaller tube.

Key features that stand out:
– Large Volume (9.5 oz): Ideal for shops or large jobs.
– OEM Specified: Trusted formula for dealership warranty requirements.
– Superior Fluid Resistance: Fights off engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant breakdown.
– Temperature Range: -65°F to 500°F intermittent.

Pros:
– Cost-effective for bulk use.
– Easy, smooth application with a standard caulk gun.
– Eliminates the need for traditional gaskets (paper, cork, rubber).

Cons:
– The large tube may cure before it’s fully used if stored improperly.

Best for: Professional mechanics or dedicated DIYers performing frequent engine work requiring the best permatex for valve cover gasket use.

Expert Opinion: I use this size in my shop. It’s the easiest way to dispense the consistent bead required for a strong, leak-proof valve cover seal.

Permatex 22074 Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque RTV Silicone Gasket Maker, Sensor Safe And Non-Corrosive, For High Torque And Vibration Resistant Applications, 0.5 oz

This is the handy, small-volume squeeze tube of the Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque formula. The compact 0.5 oz size is perfect for quick fixes, small flanges, or when you only need to run a small bead in specific corner seams of an existing valve cover gasket. It maintains the same high-vibration resistance and non-corrosive properties as the larger tubes.

Key features that stand out:
– Compact Size: Excellent for minor repairs or seam reinforcement.
– Maximum Vibration Resistance: Ideal for high-torque applications.
– Outstanding Resistance: Fights oils, cooling, and shop fluids.
– Low Odor: More pleasant to work with in enclosed spaces.

Pros:
– Economical choice for one-off small jobs.
– Easy to store in a toolbox without waste.
– Maintains high performance despite the small volume.

Cons:
– Too small for a full perimeter seal on most large valve covers.

Best for: Small repairs, sealing intake manifold end seals, or reinforcing the corner junctions of a valve cover job.

Expert Opinion: Keep a small tube of this on hand. It’s perfect for reinforcing those tricky corner seams where the valve cover meets the timing cover, ensuring the best permatex for valve cover gasket sealing precision.

Permatex 80022 Sensor-Safe Blue RTV Silicone Gasket Maker, 3 oz. Tube

The classic blue RTV formula is a dependable general-purpose option, widely known for its ability to form reliable ‘formed-in-place’ gaskets. While many newer formulas (like Ultra Black) offer targeted benefits, the Blue RTV is a great all-rounder. It resists cracking and shrinking and can be used to coat pre-cut gaskets, increasing their longevity without fouling oxygen sensors.

Key features that stand out:
– Universal Fit: Replaces almost any cut gasket.
– Sensor-Safe: Reliable formula that won’t harm oxygen sensors.
– Good Temperature Range: Handles -65°F to 500°F intermittent.

Pros:
– Highly versatile for various engine applications.
– Tried and true formula that resists migration.
– Cost-effective general-purpose RTV.

Cons:
– Lacks the specific targeted oil resistance of the Ultra Black formulation.

Best for: General engine sealing applications where specific high oil or high torque resistance is not strictly required.

Expert Opinion: Blue is the workhorse of general RTVs. It’s adequate for many valve cover jobs, but if you have a known leaker, I’d step up to the Ultra Black formula for guaranteed oil resistance.

Permatex 80012 Black Cut Gasket Coating, Flexible, Oil-Resistant Silicone Sealant for Paper, Cork & Rubber Gaskets, Extends Gasket Life, Fills Scars, Tack-Free in 1 Hr, 2 Oz.

Similar to Form-A-Gasket #2, this formula (Black Cut Gasket Coating) is designed specifically as a coating or dressing for traditional pre-cut gaskets (paper, cork, rubber). However, this silicone-based coating provides superior flexibility and oil resistance compared to the older solvent-based formulas. It dries tacky, which helps hold the gasket in place during assembly and is excellent for filling minor pitting or scars on flange surfaces.

Key features that stand out:
– Tacky Texture: Holds the gasket in perfect alignment during assembly.
– Oil-Resistant Coating: Formulated to flex and resist oil breakdown.
– Fills Scars: Creates a smooth, leak-proof seal on pitted flanges.
– Extends Gasket Life: Prevents blowouts and premature failure of traditional materials.

Pros:
– Perfect for sealing older, pitted cast surfaces.
– Fast tack time (tack-free in 1 hour).
– High oil resistance tailored for paper and cork.

Cons:
– Only used as a dressing; not a standalone gasket maker.

Best for: Applying to traditional cork or rubber gaskets when working on scarred or vintage valve covers.

Expert Opinion: If you have an engine with visibly pitted flange surfaces, this coating is superior to non-tacky sealants because it physically fills those imperfections while providing the necessary oil resistance.

Permatex 81182 Gear Oil RTV Gasket Maker, 3 oz (Packaging May Vary)

While not typically the first choice for valve covers, this specialized RTV is included to highlight the importance of fluid-specific formulations. The 81182 is specifically built to resist the unique friction modifiers and extreme pressure additives found in gear oils (like those in differentials and transfer cases). If, by some unusual engine design, your valve cover assembly is exposed to gear oil (highly rare), this would be necessary, but for standard engine oil, the Ultra Black or Ultra Grey is preferred.

Key features that stand out:
– Gear Oil Resistant: Specialty silicone that withstands harsh friction modifiers.
– Seals Leak Paths: Designed to seal areas where traditional gaskets fail under specialized fluid attack.
– OEM Tested: Meets complete sealing power specifications for its intended application.

Pros:
– Unmatched resistance to gear oil.
– Sensor safe and non-toxic.

Cons:
– Overkill and potentially less effective against regular engine oil than the Ultra Black formulation.

Best for: Transfer cases and differentials; rarely needed for typical valve cover applications unless specific gear oil exposure occurs.

Expert Opinion: Stick to the Ultra Black or Ultra Grey for engine applications. Only consider the Gear Oil RTV if you are sealing a component explicitly exposed to hypoid gear lubricants.

Comparison Short Insights

Choosing the best permatex for valve cover gasket really comes down to the environment: heat, oil, or movement.

For environments saturated with engine oil, Permatex 82180 Ultra Black is the unmatched champion. It is formulated specifically for superior adhesion to oily surfaces and superior resistance to engine fluids.

If you are working on a modern, imported engine with tight clearances and high bolt torque specifications, opt for Permatex 82194 Ultra Grey. It is engineered for maximum vibration resistance and rigidity, maintaining the seal when the engine is under significant stress.

If your primary goal is to reinforce a traditional paper or cork gasket, do not use the RTV makers alone. Instead, use the specialized gasket coatings like Permatex 80012 Black Cut Gasket Coating or Permatex 80016 Form-A-Gasket #2 to fill minor imperfections and prevent creep.

For the rare application where extreme heat is a concern (like near a turbo), Permatex 81630 Ultra Red provides the necessary temperature ceiling up to 650°F.

Final Verdict: Selecting Your Sealant

The All-Around Champion: For 90% of valve cover applications, especially those prone to oil leaks, the Permatex 82180 Ultra Black is the most reliable choice. Its oil resistance and flexibility make it the industry standard for this task.

The High-Tech Specialist: If you have a highly rigid flange or a high-torque modern engine, the Permatex 82194 Ultra Grey provides the stiffness and vibration dampening required to maintain integrity under aggressive driving conditions.

The Gasket Enhancer: When working with classic cork or rubber gaskets that need assistance sealing imperfections, use the Permatex 80012 Black Cut Gasket Coating to create a secure, tacky, and leak-free foundation.

Common Questions About best permatex for valve cover gasket

Do I need to use RTV sealant if my valve cover gasket is rubber?

Yes, often you do. While the main rubber gasket provides the primary seal, RTV sealant (the best permatex for valve cover gasket) is crucial for two specific areas: the “corners” where the timing cover or cam caps meet the cylinder head, and the half-moon seals or bridge areas. These seams are difficult for a standard rubber gasket to fully seal, and a small bead of RTV (like Ultra Black) ensures a leak-proof transition.

How long does Permatex RTV take to cure before starting the engine?

The cure time involves two stages:
1. Tack-Free/Skin Time: Usually within 1 hour, the sealant surface forms a “skin,” allowing excess sealant cleanup.
2. Full Cure Time: For maximum resistance to fluids and pressure, you should wait 24 hours before adding fluids or starting the engine. If a 24-hour wait is impossible, check the specific product’s data sheet, but Ultra Black generally needs the full cure time for valve cover work.

What is the difference between “Sensor Safe” and regular RTV?

Sensor-safe RTV, like the Ultra Black and Ultra Grey formulas, is non-corrosive. Older, traditional RTV formulas release acetic acid during the curing process, which can corrode sensitive electronic components, particularly oxygen sensors and mass airflow sensors. Always choose a non-corrosive, sensor-safe formula for engine work to protect your vehicle’s electronics.

Can I use Permatex RTV by itself without a physical gasket?

Yes, the modern RTV products (Gasket Makers) like Ultra Black and Ultra Grey are designed to replace pre-cut gaskets entirely and function as reliable formed-in-place seals. For a valve cover, however, if your engine came factory-equipped with a molded rubber or plastic gasket, it is generally best practice to use the new pre-cut gasket and supplement the seams and corners with a thin, continuous bead of the best permatex for valve cover gasket.

How should I prepare the surface before applying the sealant?

Surface preparation is the most critical step to prevent leaks. The surfaces (the valve cover flange and the cylinder head flange) must be clean, dry, and oil-free. Use a plastic scraper to remove old gasket material, then thoroughly clean the flanges with a brake parts cleaner or non-residue solvent like mineral spirits. Do not use abrasive pads (like scotch-brite) as these can embed abrasive particles into the metal, which can cause premature wear.

Is Ultra Black or Ultra Grey better for resisting engine oil?

Ultra Black (82180) is specifically formulated for maximum oil resistance and adhesion to oily environments, making it superior for general valve cover oil exposure. Ultra Grey (82194) is formulated for maximum vibration and high-torque environments. While Ultra Grey is oil resistant, Ultra Black offers the best defense against oil saturation and breakdown.