As the title states...Are the valve cover gaskets reusable? I am going to paint my valve covers tomorow.

 

I've never known them to be, but I haven't had to look or change one on the modular motors. It's possible that they use a newer material and can be reused, but I'd rather not take the chance and just buy a set. How much can they be ?

 

They are reusable, just be careful with them. Do a search on cam covers. A lot of us had ours powdercoated and or painted. I took mine off, had them powdercoated and replaced them. I used the same gaskets. There is a lot of info on this on TMS if it didn't get wiped out a few months back. Good luck!

 

The 2V cam cover gaskets would get very slippery when they were in contact with engine oil. I would recommend new gaskets if possible.

 

I have always found the factory gaskets to be far better than anything you buy at a parts store. Typically they're a metal gasket coated in rubber, or a very rigid rubber that has compression stops in it. Every time I have bought head gasket kits or just the valve cover gaskets themselves, they're always cork or some flimsy *** neoprene gasket with compression stops, and you'll be lucky to get them to stay in place while tightening the bolts.
Just be careful with your factory gaskets, don't allow them to get scratched or folded, and then don't scuff the mating surfaces on your head or your valve cover... they're machined to create the best seal.

Even when I had junk heads.... I kept the factory valve cover gaskets...

 

Where can I buy a new set of gaskets?

 

Well.. if you want new ones... they'll probably be pricey at the dealer... but I'd go there. IMO, aftermarket VC gaskets blow.

 

May be reusable but when I pulled my cam covers for powdercoating I replaced them with FOMOCO ones from the dealer. About$30.00/pr. I didnt want to worry about possible leaks and have to redo.