Leaky Valve Covers, any suggestions? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BigRed · 10-20-2003, 09:30 AM

My valve covers were leaking so I replaced the gaskets over the weekend. I used the Fel-Pro rubber ones. I cleaned both the valve cover and the head mating surface real well. I used RTV between the valve cover and the rubber gasket and let it dry before installing. Problem is now that the covers are leaking more than they did with the old cork gaskets (that were rock hard). I do have the spreader bars and think I've got the covers torqued down enough. I don't want to go to hard on them though.

Anybody have any suggestions to fix this leaking problem? I know it's common. I really don't want to have to Permatex the head side of the gaskets.

stan79chevy · 10-20-2003, 10:57 AM

try some spreader bars that will help spread the pressure evenly also check the pcv valve it could be building up pressure

BigRed · 10-20-2003, 10:59 AM

I do have spreader bars on there and it's a new PCV.

stan79chevy · 10-20-2003, 11:41 AM

thats weird. are the valve covers bent or warped . i have the rubber gaskets on mine and it leaked a little at first. i drove around and let it get all warmed up then tightened them some more.

BigRed · 10-20-2003, 11:49 AM

Not sure about them being warped. I'll check them tonight and see what they're torqued at. If they're over-torqued, I'll pull them again and check to see if they're warped. If so, I'll try to straighten them out and try it again. I didn't torque them per specs but did by feel. There is a chance that they're over-torqued and that's what I'm worried about.

Thanks for the help!

*Zilverado* · 10-20-2003, 12:29 PM

When I did my valve seals last year I used the rubber Fel-pro gaskets as well when replacing the covers. Except I used the RTV sealant on both the cover and the head. I then torqued the fasteners to spec, before the sealant cured - dry as a bone ever since.

I have the spreaders as well and I made sure the flanges on the covers were flat.

Give the double RTV a try, and easy on the torque.

BigRed · 10-20-2003, 12:32 PM

Ok, thanks Zilverado. In the past, I've had the chrome t-handle type bolts. Those are nice because they prevent you from over-tightening. I'm thinking of getting a set of those and hopefully they'll help out.

bigblock73 · 10-20-2003, 01:11 PM

My guess is bent/warped valve covers. When you put on your VC, tighten them down just enough to get them snug...anymore and you will bend them. Also...keep the spreader bars...they help even out the load.

Good luck

Jeff

BigRed · 10-20-2003, 01:13 PM

Ok, thanks Jeff. I definitely plan on keeping the spreaders! I'll pull them tonight, check for warpage and go from there.

bigblock73 · 10-20-2003, 01:22 PM

Scott, when you pull the covers off...stick a straight edge on the inside lip to check straightness. If they are bent you can try and bend them back by resting the sealing edge on something flat and hard and hammering lightly to get them straight again...

...or...

...use this as an excuse to the wife and buy some new VC's.

-Jeff

BigRed · 10-20-2003, 02:43 PM

LOL, I like option 2 Jeff but don't have the money for it.

If straightening doesn't work, I may have to go with those double-thick gaskets.

low 84 · 10-20-2003, 10:04 PM

are you using the blue fel pro ones? if so they don't require sealent.

BigRed · 10-20-2003, 10:14 PM

No Ryan, I'm using the black rubber Fel-Pros. The leak has actually decreased throughout the day. I'm going to see how it does and if it's still leaking tomorrow night, I may go with the thick blue ones and make sure the covers are not warped.

Thanks!

**swervin ervin** · 10-20-2003, 10:30 PM

I've used all kinds of valve cover gaskets in my day, which goes a very long way back I might add.

I've had the best luck with Mr. Gasket Ultra Seal valve cover gaskets. They are a cork impregnated gasket. They are no where near as expensive as the Felpros. I think they around 10 bucks. I glue them to the cover with a good gasket cement. I use Edelbrock Gasgacinch. That stuff is amazing. Anyway, I glue them to the cover only. This way I can remove the covers without messing up the gaskets. They have never leaked.

I agree with Jeff, make sure they are straight around the flange and don't overtighten them.

ocbaud · 10-20-2003, 11:01 PM

sand the mating surface of the valve cover with something around 500 grit. that should help the gaskets stick better

apstguy · 10-21-2003, 01:39 AM

The Fel-Pro rubber ones suck. They only made my oil leak worse. I bought their expensive ones, but have yet to use them. Will report when I get them on.

mutant-jimbo · 11-01-2003, 10:37 PM

my valve covers leaked badly, so i did as you did, cleaned and replaced the gaskets. this didnt help, spreaders didnt either, so luckily my buddie gave me a pair of used oem 77vette covers. after i installed (without the spreaders) the problem was solved. now my freshly rebuilt motors doesnt leak oil. how sweet it is. p.s. those old covers took a one way trip to the ally dumpster. my guess is that they were warped

RiverCityChevy · 11-01-2003, 11:21 PM

One thing noone has touched on...turn the valve cover over and look at the bolt holes, if they are puckered from tightening tap them with a small hammer til they are flush with the rest of the cover...that could help alot...my $.02...Jim

soleeagle · 11-01-2003, 11:39 PM

Just go out and test drive a truck with a small block in it and switch the covers with yours while having it

. J/K I use the cork impregnated gaskets and use the silcone on them and install before it cures. I ususally dont have a problem with them leaking.

Dirty Dan · 11-02-2003, 02:01 AM

My old chrome valve covers where warped, and leaked. So I put much better ones on. They seem to be doing very well.

BigRed · 11-03-2003, 10:26 AM

Wow, revival of the old thread! Guess somebody was looking back.

Thanks guys, I already have them fixed.

mutant-jimbo · 11-03-2003, 08:56 PM

so red, did you rush out and buy some used vette v.c.? lol

BigRed · 11-03-2003, 11:34 PM

Nope, just bought some of the extra-thick Felpro cork ones. However, now I've discovered other leaks.

Maybe from intake, dist seal, or oil sender.

TwinTurbo · 11-04-2003, 09:27 AM

those stamped steel covers will all warp and leak, especially those cheap chrome ones.

I went to thick cast aluminium ones. One thing though, those bowtie covers weep, some bad some a bit. I put glyptal on the inside and now they will never weep.

10-20-2003, 09:30 AM	#1
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Leaky Valve Covers, any suggestions? My valve covers were leaking so I replaced the gaskets over the weekend. I used the Fel-Pro rubber ones. I cleaned both the valve cover and the head mating surface real well. I used RTV between the valve cover and the rubber gasket and let it dry before installing. Problem is now that the covers are leaking more than they did with the old cork gaskets (that were rock hard). I do have the spreader bars and think I've got the covers torqued down enough. I don't want to go to hard on them though. Anybody have any suggestions to fix this leaking problem? I know it's common. I really don't want to have to Permatex the head side of the gaskets. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

10-20-2003, 10:57 AM	#2
stan79chevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: COVINGTON GEORGIA Posts: 477	spreader bars try some spreader bars that will help spread the pressure evenly also check the pcv valve it could be building up pressure __________________ 79 chevy k20 350/350/205/D44/14bFF 4.56 gears rock LWB pimer black 01 S-10 ZR2 extended cab 4.3/4L60E/233 3.73 gear 31" DICK CEPEK CRUSHERS

10-20-2003, 10:59 AM	#3
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	I do have spreader bars on there and it's a new PCV. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

10-20-2003, 11:41 AM	#4
stan79chevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: COVINGTON GEORGIA Posts: 477	are the valve covers bent warped? thats weird. are the valve covers bent or warped . i have the rubber gaskets on mine and it leaked a little at first. i drove around and let it get all warmed up then tightened them some more. __________________ 79 chevy k20 350/350/205/D44/14bFF 4.56 gears rock LWB pimer black 01 S-10 ZR2 extended cab 4.3/4L60E/233 3.73 gear 31" DICK CEPEK CRUSHERS

10-20-2003, 11:49 AM	#5
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Not sure about them being warped. I'll check them tonight and see what they're torqued at. If they're over-torqued, I'll pull them again and check to see if they're warped. If so, I'll try to straighten them out and try it again. I didn't torque them per specs but did by feel. There is a chance that they're over-torqued and that's what I'm worried about. Thanks for the help! __________________ Scott Shelbourne

10-20-2003, 12:29 PM	#6
Zilverado Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 798	When I did my valve seals last year I used the rubber Fel-pro gaskets as well when replacing the covers. Except I used the RTV sealant on both the cover and the head. I then torqued the fasteners to spec, before the sealant cured - dry as a bone ever since. I have the spreaders as well and I made sure the flanges on the covers were flat. Give the double RTV a try, and easy on the torque.

10-20-2003, 12:32 PM	#7
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Ok, thanks Zilverado. In the past, I've had the chrome t-handle type bolts. Those are nice because they prevent you from over-tightening. I'm thinking of getting a set of those and hopefully they'll help out. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

10-20-2003, 01:11 PM	#8
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	My guess is bent/warped valve covers. When you put on your VC, tighten them down just enough to get them snug...anymore and you will bend them. Also...keep the spreader bars...they help even out the load. Good luck Jeff

10-20-2003, 01:13 PM	#9
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Ok, thanks Jeff. I definitely plan on keeping the spreaders! I'll pull them tonight, check for warpage and go from there. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

10-20-2003, 01:22 PM	#10
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Scott, when you pull the covers off...stick a straight edge on the inside lip to check straightness. If they are bent you can try and bend them back by resting the sealing edge on something flat and hard and hammering lightly to get them straight again... ...or... ...use this as an excuse to the wife and buy some new VC's. -Jeff

10-20-2003, 02:43 PM	#11
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	LOL, I like option 2 Jeff but don't have the money for it. If straightening doesn't work, I may have to go with those double-thick gaskets. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

10-20-2003, 10:04 PM	#12
low 84 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,144	are you using the blue fel pro ones? if so they don't require sealent. __________________ '51 F100, backhalf with a narrowed 9 and coil overs, 18.5" mickeys, monte front clip, +400" sbc in the works '05 1500 Crew Cab RIP '84 swb 5/7 drop, solid cammed 408 w/ fully ported dart heads, th350 w/ 10 inch hughes, 12 bolt w/ 3.73 richmonds and a locker '80 swb 4x4 in progress: 7" lift, 350 th350/np205, d44 and 1.5" ORD tie rod, 14BFF w/discs , armored diff covers, 40" MTR's

10-20-2003, 10:14 PM	#13
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	No Ryan, I'm using the black rubber Fel-Pros. The leak has actually decreased throughout the day. I'm going to see how it does and if it's still leaking tomorrow night, I may go with the thick blue ones and make sure the covers are not warped. Thanks! __________________ Scott Shelbourne

10-20-2003, 10:30 PM	#14
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	I've used all kinds of valve cover gaskets in my day, which goes a very long way back I might add. I've had the best luck with Mr. Gasket Ultra Seal valve cover gaskets. They are a cork impregnated gasket. They are no where near as expensive as the Felpros. I think they around 10 bucks. I glue them to the cover with a good gasket cement. I use Edelbrock Gasgacinch. That stuff is amazing. Anyway, I glue them to the cover only. This way I can remove the covers without messing up the gaskets. They have never leaked. I agree with Jeff, make sure they are straight around the flange and don't overtighten them. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

10-20-2003, 11:01 PM	#15
ocbaud Garage Queen Material Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: USA Posts: 4,129	sand the mating surface of the valve cover with something around 500 grit. that should help the gaskets stick better



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10-21-2003, 01:39 AM	#16
apstguy LED King Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,087	The Fel-Pro rubber ones suck. They only made my oil leak worse. I bought their expensive ones, but have yet to use them. Will report when I get them on. __________________ Tyler 1985 C10 305 w/ Bowtie OD TH700R4 3.42 LSD 202,000 miles 2006 Ford Focus ZX3 5-speed Stick 2016 Chevy Spark EV Gone: 2002.5 VW GTI 24v VR6 Gone: 2008 VW R32

11-01-2003, 10:37 PM	#17
mutant-jimbo Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Joplin, Mo. Posts: 166	my valve covers leaked badly, so i did as you did, cleaned and replaced the gaskets. this didnt help, spreaders didnt either, so luckily my buddie gave me a pair of used oem 77vette covers. after i installed (without the spreaders) the problem was solved. now my freshly rebuilt motors doesnt leak oil. how sweet it is. p.s. those old covers took a one way trip to the ally dumpster. my guess is that they were warped Attached Images __________________ "Texas is an outrage when your husband is dead, Texas is an outrage when they pick up his head, Texas is the reason why the presidents dead"-bullet by The Misfits

11-01-2003, 11:21 PM	#18
RiverCityChevy You want it when??? Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: I live in memphis,tenn. been here for almost 30 years. Posts: 144	leaky valve covers One thing noone has touched on...turn the valve cover over and look at the bolt holes, if they are puckered from tightening tap them with a small hammer til they are flush with the rest of the cover...that could help alot...my $.02...Jim __________________ RiverCityChevy The more Hondas I see the more I love my Chevy Truck. If you're not out front the view never changes.

11-01-2003, 11:39 PM	#19
soleeagle Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Shelbyville, Indiana Posts: 614	Just go out and test drive a truck with a small block in it and switch the covers with yours while having it . J/K I use the cork impregnated gaskets and use the silcone on them and install before it cures. I ususally dont have a problem with them leaking. __________________ Chuck '85 Chevy Silverado 4X4 '91 Chevy 4X4 Suburban http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/545941

11-02-2003, 02:01 AM	#20
Dirty Dan Oh Look Out! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: M'boro TN, Posts: 505	My old chrome valve covers where warped, and leaked. So I put much better ones on. They seem to be doing very well. Attached Images __________________ Dan's Webshots "I have a lot of growing up to do... I realized that the other day inside my fort" - Zack Galifianakis.

11-03-2003, 10:26 AM	#21
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Wow, revival of the old thread! Guess somebody was looking back. Thanks guys, I already have them fixed. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

11-03-2003, 08:56 PM	#22
mutant-jimbo Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Joplin, Mo. Posts: 166	so red, did you rush out and buy some used vette v.c.? lol __________________ "Texas is an outrage when your husband is dead, Texas is an outrage when they pick up his head, Texas is the reason why the presidents dead"-bullet by The Misfits

11-03-2003, 11:34 PM	#23
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Nope, just bought some of the extra-thick Felpro cork ones. However, now I've discovered other leaks. Maybe from intake, dist seal, or oil sender. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

11-04-2003, 09:27 AM	#24
TwinTurbo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 994	those stamped steel covers will all warp and leak, especially those cheap chrome ones. I went to thick cast aluminium ones. One thing though, those bowtie covers weep, some bad some a bit. I put glyptal on the inside and now they will never weep.

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