This valve-cover gasket seals the joint between the cylinder head and the valve cover, preventing oil leaks and maintaining crankcase pressure. It sits along the perimeter of the valve cover, compressing between the two machined surfaces when the cover is bolted down. A degraded gasket allows oil to weep onto the exhaust manifold or the exterior of the engine block, creating a visible leak and potential fire hazard. The gasket is manufactured by Victor Reinz to match the original profile, ensuring it seats correctly in the cover's retaining groove without requiring additional sealant. On reinstallation, clean both sealing surfaces thoroughly and tighten the cover bolts in the sequence and to the torque value specified for the engine.