valve cover gaskit replacement
 

well i thought i was perty much able to do alot to my car and truck but i was wonedering when i replace the valve cover gaskits do i need to put any rtv on it or just the dry cork gaskits?

Re: valve cover gaskit replacement
 

Its a matter of opinion here. I've always used cork style gaskets with just a smear of weatherstrip adhesive to keep it in place on pre86 models. It's worked great for me. Some here use rtv but it seams to move to much for me. Just make sure your valve covers are not distorted around the bolt holes and you should be fine either way.

Re: valve cover gaskit replacement
 

I have always used high tack with the cork gaskets, to keep them in place. You will need to make sure you don't tighten them too much, or you run the chance of distorting the valve cover and causing a leak. I like to use a 1/4" ratchet and 6" extension, and hold it with my palm, rather than trying to kill it with torque on the end of the handle.

Re: valve cover gaskit replacement
 

I try to not use any rtv if I can get by without it. Like everyone else said, don't overtighten them, just nice and easy. After you run the truck and get it hot, retighten them again, nice and easy, and that should get you a nice seal.

Re: valve cover gaskit replacement
 

I just changed mine out and after a few sets of cork with them slippin off the edge of the head I ended up going with a set from autozone. They are lil more pricey. $26 i think but they are rubber with a metal core. Tacked them to the head and then put the covers on dry and tightned them down. the nice thing is that with the metal around the holes you cant really over tighten them. I cranked em down and no issues thus far. Good luck

Re: valve cover gaskit replacement
 

I always use the rtv silicone if i dont it always winds up leaking

Re: valve cover gaskit replacement
 

I always used some sort of silicone or form-a-gasket in the old days, but now I only use the best quality non-cork ones I can find with no goop. As already mentioned, over tightening the valve covers distorts them and causes leaks - no matter how much goop you put on the gaskets. It doesn't take much of a warp to cause a leak. Check the valve covers for flatness with a straightedge before you reinstall them - chances are they are already tweaked.

Re: valve cover gaskit replacement
 

There was a post a couple pages back that had a bunch of tricks. I wish I can give you the link but I can't on my phone.

*Edit:
Finally got on the computer, here ya go http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=405520

Oh yeah, the load spreaders really help with preventing leaks. so keep track of them!