valve cover gaskit replacement - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

big10ratrod77 · 06-08-2010, 12:35 PM

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?

silvereagle07 · 06-08-2010, 12:49 PM

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.

Jonboy · 06-08-2010, 01:34 PM

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.

85Bowtie · 06-08-2010, 02:13 PM

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.

hotrod_991 · 06-08-2010, 06:43 PM

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

**old Rusty C10** · 06-08-2010, 07:50 PM

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

tucsonjwt · 06-08-2010, 08:12 PM

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.

79gmcc15 · 06-09-2010, 12:48 AM

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!

06-08-2010, 12:35 PM	#1
big10ratrod77 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: hillborough nc Posts: 410	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? __________________ 77 chevy BIG 10 350/sm465/12bolt w 3.73 bout 240 horse power NO power steerin 79 chevy 1/2 ton 250/three on the tree/3.08s soon to get built 250/floor shift conversion/3.08s 81 mercedes 300d 25 MPG 77 chevy BIG DOOLEY 454/sm-465/14 bolt 4.10s "fully loaded" 73 plymouth duster 225 slant six/230 3 speed/8 1/4 trying to acheve 300 horse six http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3135091 '77 chevy trucks. built to stay tough. life is short build a hot rod

06-08-2010, 12:49 PM	#2
silvereagle07 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bailey, NC Posts: 2,462	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. __________________ Jeramy '84 GMC project truck '85 Chevy 4X4 SOLD '07 Chevy Trailblazer SS 5th Annual SHPHC Car/Truck Show Pics http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=543605 UPDATED PICS! CHECK 'EM OUT

06-08-2010, 01:34 PM	#3
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	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. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

06-08-2010, 02:13 PM	#4
85Bowtie Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: TN Posts: 410	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. __________________ '69 Dodge Charger R/T 440, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '68 Plymouth Road Runner 383, 727, 3.23 Sure Grip '89 Dodge Diplomat ex cop car 408, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '77 Dodge Monaco ex cop car 440, 727, 2.71 '79 Dodge 'Lil Red Express pickup 360, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '12 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, M6, 3.92 '85 Chevrolet C-10 SWB 2wd 305, TH350, 2.73

06-08-2010, 06:43 PM	#5
hotrod_991 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Thibodaux, LA Posts: 479	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 __________________ "Buckle up I wanna try somethin!!" "of course it will hold!, I welded it!" 1977 c10 under knife for full rebuild, 5.3l 4l60e drive rain swap, replacement frame and green repaint

06-08-2010, 07:50 PM	#6
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,348	Re: valve cover gaskit replacement I always use the rtv silicone if i dont it always winds up leaking __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

06-08-2010, 08:12 PM	#7
tucsonjwt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,198	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.

06-09-2010, 12:48 AM	#8
79gmcc15 Gettin It One Pice At A Time Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: everett, washington Posts: 2,688	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! __________________ RIP ELJAY Work In Progress 1979 GMC C1500 Trailering Special. Getting the truck done, one piece at a time. “You can tell a lot about a fellow’s character by his way of eating jellybeans.”Ronald Reagan “I don’t know the key to success but I know the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” Bill Cosby Last edited by 79gmcc15; 06-09-2010 at 03:34 AM.*



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