This valve cover gasket seals the joint between the valve cover and the cylinder head on the host engine. It prevents oil leakage from the valvetrain area and keeps contaminants out of the engine oil system. The gasket is compressed between the two mating surfaces when the cover is bolted down; a proper seal depends on even torque across all fasteners. A degraded gasket allows oil to weep externally, which can lead to low oil level and eventual valvetrain wear if not addressed. As an original AGCO part, the gasket is molded to the same profile as the original sealing groove, so no additional sealant or shimming is required during installation. Replace the gasket whenever the valve cover is removed for inspection or adjustment.