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Old 10-20-2003, 09:30 AM   #1
BigRed
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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.
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Old 10-20-2003, 10:57 AM   #2
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spreader bars

try some spreader bars that will help spread the pressure evenly also check the pcv valve it could be building up pressure
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Old 10-20-2003, 10:59 AM   #3
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I do have spreader bars on there and it's a new PCV.
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Old 10-20-2003, 11:41 AM   #4
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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.
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Old 10-20-2003, 11:49 AM   #5
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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!
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Old 10-20-2003, 12:29 PM   #6
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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.

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Old 10-20-2003, 12:32 PM   #7
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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.
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Old 10-20-2003, 01:11 PM   #8
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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

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Old 10-20-2003, 01:13 PM   #9
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Ok, thanks Jeff. I definitely plan on keeping the spreaders! I'll pull them tonight, check for warpage and go from there.
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Old 10-20-2003, 01:22 PM   #10
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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
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Old 10-20-2003, 02:43 PM   #11
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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.
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Old 10-20-2003, 10:04 PM   #12
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are you using the blue fel pro ones? if so they don't require sealent.
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Old 10-20-2003, 10:14 PM   #13
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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!
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Old 10-20-2003, 10:30 PM   #14
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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.
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Old 10-20-2003, 11:01 PM   #15
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sand the mating surface of the valve cover with something around 500 grit. that should help the gaskets stick better
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Old 10-21-2003, 01:39 AM   #16
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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.
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Old 11-01-2003, 10:37 PM   #17
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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
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Old 11-01-2003, 11:21 PM   #18
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Exclamation 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
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Old 11-01-2003, 11:39 PM   #19
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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.
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Old 11-02-2003, 02:01 AM   #20
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My old chrome valve covers where warped, and leaked. So I put much better ones on. They seem to be doing very well.
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Old 11-03-2003, 10:26 AM   #21
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Wow, revival of the old thread! Guess somebody was looking back. Thanks guys, I already have them fixed.
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Old 11-03-2003, 08:56 PM   #22
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so red, did you rush out and buy some used vette v.c.? lol
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Old 11-03-2003, 11:34 PM   #23
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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.
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Old 11-04-2003, 09:27 AM   #24
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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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