I'm starting to get into routine maintenance on my '03 Z for the first time (valve covers leaking slightly). I was referring to my FSM and it says to use a bead of RTV silicone to replace the valve covers, and in some funky fashion no less ("First, apply it to engine longitudinal direction..."). It doesn't say anything about a gasket kit.

I'm used to working on older KA and SR motors, so using a Felpro gasket kit from Advance Auto is generally the norm for me.

My question is, what is the proper way of re-installing the valve covers, RTV or parts store gasket kits? Is it any different from the older engines?

 

There is a rubber molded o-ring gasket for the valve covers. You also need to use RTV in addtion to the rubber o-ring on the front of the valve covers per the service manual.

 

Thanks man. I took another look at the manual and I see exactly what you're talking about.