Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Push rod cover gaskets.

[garylmoore]

Gaskets and seals for the pushrod cover, Quality vs. Cost. What do you think? Is the extra cost of the Cummins parts something that is needed on this job?
It appears there are 3 parts to sealing up the cover, the gasket itself, the rubber seal that goes behind the bolts and the metal washer?
I notice some kits come with all 3 parts.The cummins gasket is separate from the other parts.
The Felpro kit is about $30, all parts from Cummins is about $90.
Who makes a quality cover should I need one?
I've already purchased the 3M yellow gasket sealant as suggested in past posts.
Just looking for varied opinions.
Thanks... Gary

 

[NIsaacs]

Felpro is quality.

 

[BigPapa]

I've used Felpro without any issues on several trucks. Make sure it's oriented properly. I apply the weather strip adhesive to the gasket and cover and let it set up over night before installation. I don't put adhesive between the block and the gasket.

 

[endoscott]

I guess I would do the economic analysis too-what is your time worth if you have to re-do the gasket in x-number of years, vs the Cummins gasket give you x+10 years or whatever. I probably waste a lot of money buying the top quality parts and tools though. All about ROC curves-you can save a ton of money but risk having to replace parts prematurely, or you can waste a lot of money but less time re-doing things. You will never exactly find the sweet spot.

 

[BigPapa]

I've never had to replace a properly installed Felpro due to leakage. I don't think there's a quality issue with the Felpro gasket. Nature of the beast is they're all going to get brittle and leak eventually. On my 550K+ mile engine, the original lasted 325K miles. The Felpro had 225K on it when I replaced it while we were doing the reseal. It was still soft and pliable, just replaced it because I was there with the IP off.

 

[GAmes]

If you put a Felpro and a Cummins gasket side by side they will be identical, down to the numbers and letters molded into the rubber. No one will ever convince me that Felpro doesn't make Cummins branded seals and gaskets.

 

[garylmoore]

That is exactly what I was wanting to hear.
Thanks again to everyone! Gary

 

[BigPapa]

This was a good thread on replacing the tappet cover gasket.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/oil-leak.269942/