MF!!! thats no good!!! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ocbaud · 10-05-2004, 09:34 PM

i swear, i fix one thing, and another freaking thing breaks!!

i took off my valve covers today to polish them. got them all nice and pretty and put them back on.

when i go to tighten one of the nuts on the stud, it cracks the damn valve cover!!!

is there anyway to fix this? its leaking slowly whenever i drive it.

87 Shortwide · 10-05-2004, 09:43 PM

they are alum right? the only thing to do is get it welded up, and then smooth it back down.

*1972C10* · 10-05-2004, 09:46 PM

HAHA . I did the same thing With a pair of M/T's I cracked one of them Tryin to get a leak to stop . Dont put so much S*** down on it next time...

Shouldnt cost but 20 dollars or so to get it fixed have it welded on the inside
Clean the crack out with a die grinder and wouldnt hurt to drill the end of the crack to prevent it from spreading..

Alot of metal shops prefer to do their own prep work though so call around first.

79Silv4x4 · 10-05-2004, 10:20 PM

I told you in a post way back to stick with chrome and you would not have to deal with the polishing

Seriously though, that sucks--I guess by the time you paid someone to weld it and deal with all of that you could buy another set. If you used a torque wrench to the Mfg specs maybe you could get a warranty claim as defective?.?.?

Destructo · 10-05-2004, 11:05 PM

maybe try using some of those spreaders that spread the pressure out instead of putting it all on the one spot.

plumbcut · 10-05-2004, 11:22 PM

well now you know you were torqueing it way too tight. same with stamped valve covers and oil pans, install the screws with a nut driver and just snug em up good. Then re-snug in about a week. It should be a crime to touch pan/V.C. bolts with a wrench

*1972C10* · 10-05-2004, 11:27 PM

I use a little 1/4 rachet for all my oil pan and whatnot tightening If you get carried away you can overtorque with a nutdriver Just the same as anything else.

Destructo · 10-05-2004, 11:29 PM

I use those T-Handle valve cover bolts, I love those things!

ocbaud · 10-06-2004, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Destructo

maybe try using some of those spreaders that spread the pressure out instead of putting it all on the one spot.

the spreaders are built into the valve cover

corn · 10-06-2004, 10:39 AM

Put a coat of J-B Weld on the inside of the cover where its cracked. Ive used that stuff for almost everything & its never let me down yet...corn

Grim Reaper · 10-06-2004, 10:42 AM

Torque on valve covers is rated in inch pounts not pound feet. "Snug" is all it takes with good gaskets.

ocbaud · 10-12-2004, 05:14 PM

my dad called jegs today and they said we could ship them back and get another set

that means i'll have a nice clean set that i will use a torque wrench on from now on

i love jegs!!!

i'm using my friends moroso stamped valve covers now, and no leaks.

what would you guys recommend for a gasket that would work really well?

86 Red_Bowtie · 10-12-2004, 06:02 PM

Fel-Pro Gaskets are good.Never hava had any problems with them leaking and have been on the truck for the last 5 years.

**swervin ervin** · 10-12-2004, 08:09 PM

I have always used Mr. Gasket Ultra Seal valve cover gaskets and to this day, never had a leak. I glue them to the valve cover and can remove the covers without messing up the gaskets.

SanitysBane · 10-12-2004, 09:39 PM

fel-pro glued to the valve cover

ElGracho · 10-12-2004, 10:08 PM

I really like the high end line of Fel Pro Permadry plus gaskets. They are expensive (~$40 at Autozone) but they work great. They are rubber like modern factory gaskets and go on dry. They are reusable and have inserts to prevent overtorqing.

**N2TRUX** · 10-13-2004, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ocbaud

..... i will use a torque wrench on from now on ...

Just remember that's inch pounds "NOT" foot pounds....

ocbaud · 10-13-2004, 12:31 AM

i'm very happy with jegs about this. they didnt have to take them back, and most places wouldnt, seeing as i ordered them back in febuary.

79BIG10 · 10-13-2004, 11:43 AM

I've lucky enough to not break mine but mine are centerbolt style though. Not sure if that has helped or not. I use the fel-pro style for my truck.

76HighSierra · 10-13-2004, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ocbaud

i'm very happy with jegs about this. they didnt have to take them back, and most places wouldnt, seeing as i ordered them back in febuary.

They didn't have to take them back anyways, conisdering YOUR goofy ass over-torqued them.

:p

PHOENIX · 10-13-2004, 06:58 PM

So far I like the Moroso blue rubber gaskets.
I was using the fel-pro rubber, but they have these ridges that I think make them less affective. The moroso valve cover gasket i am speaking of is very similar material and texture to fel-pros 1-piece oil pan gasket.
I highly recommend them.

10-05-2004, 09:34 PM	#1
ocbaud Garage Queen Material Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: USA Posts: 4,129	MF!!! thats no good!!! i swear, i fix one thing, and another freaking thing breaks!! i took off my valve covers today to polish them. got them all nice and pretty and put them back on. when i go to tighten one of the nuts on the stud, it cracks the damn valve cover!!! is there anyway to fix this? its leaking slowly whenever i drive it.

10-05-2004, 09:43 PM	#2
87 Shortwide Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Wichita Ks Posts: 536	they are alum right? the only thing to do is get it welded up, and then smooth it back down. __________________ Daily Driver: 1992 Blazer dropped on rallys Project: 87 GMC shortwide, About to get a little boost

10-05-2004, 11:05 PM	#5
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	maybe try using some of those spreaders that spread the pressure out instead of putting it all on the one spot. __________________ 1985 Scottsdale Shortbed 4x4 Stout 350 with some "upgrades"-700r4-33x12.5" Mud Tires, Warn 8274-50 winch. 2005 Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab 2wd 4-banger, 5 speed, Street Pack with 3.73 axle.

10-05-2004, 11:29 PM	#8
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	I use those T-Handle valve cover bolts, I love those things! __________________ 1985 Scottsdale Shortbed 4x4 Stout 350 with some "upgrades"-700r4-33x12.5" Mud Tires, Warn 8274-50 winch. 2005 Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab 2wd 4-banger, 5 speed, Street Pack with 3.73 axle.

10-06-2004, 10:42 AM	#11
Grim Reaper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 1,704	Torque on valve covers is rated in inch pounts not pound feet. "Snug" is all it takes with good gaskets. __________________ Grim-Reaper 70 Pontiac LeMans Sport Convertible, worlds longest resto in progress Looking for 71-72 2wd Blazer or Jimmy Project

10-05-2004, 09:46 PM	#3
1972C10 Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 2,686	HAHA . I did the same thing With a pair of M/T's I cracked one of them Tryin to get a leak to stop . Dont put so much S*** down on it next time... Shouldnt cost but 20 dollars or so to get it fixed have it welded on the inside Clean the crack out with a die grinder and wouldnt hurt to drill the end of the crack to prevent it from spreading.. Alot of metal shops prefer to do their own prep work though so call around first.

10-05-2004, 10:20 PM	#4
79Silv4x4 Workaholic Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Katy, TX Posts: 1,589	I told you in a post way back to stick with chrome and you would not have to deal with the polishing Seriously though, that sucks--I guess by the time you paid someone to weld it and deal with all of that you could buy another set. If you used a torque wrench to the Mfg specs maybe you could get a warranty claim as defective?.?.?

10-05-2004, 11:22 PM	#6
plumbcut california fill Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sunny So-Cal Posts: 694	well now you know you were torqueing it way too tight. same with stamped valve covers and oil pans, install the screws with a nut driver and just snug em up good. Then re-snug in about a week. It should be a crime to touch pan/V.C. bolts with a wrench

10-05-2004, 11:27 PM	#7
1972C10 Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 2,686	I use a little 1/4 rachet for all my oil pan and whatnot tightening If you get carried away you can overtorque with a nutdriver Just the same as anything else.

10-06-2004, 10:39 AM	#10
corn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: here Posts: 5,789	Put a coat of J-B Weld on the inside of the cover where its cracked. Ive used that stuff for almost everything & its never let me down yet...corn

10-12-2004, 05:14 PM	#12
ocbaud Garage Queen Material Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: USA Posts: 4,129	my dad called jegs today and they said we could ship them back and get another set that means i'll have a nice clean set that i will use a torque wrench on from now on i love jegs!!! i'm using my friends moroso stamped valve covers now, and no leaks. what would you guys recommend for a gasket that would work really well?

10-12-2004, 06:02 PM	#13
86 Red_Bowtie Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: South Wichita,KS Posts: 698	Fel-Pro Gaskets are good.Never hava had any problems with them leaking and have been on the truck for the last 5 years. __________________ Sean Midwest All Truck Nationals, Riverside, MO - 2008 - 2015 Last edited by 86 Red_Bowtie; 10-12-2004 at 08:24 PM.

10-12-2004, 08:09 PM	#14
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	I have always used Mr. Gasket Ultra Seal valve cover gaskets and to this day, never had a leak. I glue them to the valve cover and can remove the covers without messing up the gaskets. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

10-12-2004, 09:39 PM	#15
SanitysBane Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,121	fel-pro glued to the valve cover __________________ '96 Nissan Pathfinder '02 Firebird Trans Am. '88 K5 Blazer

10-12-2004, 10:08 PM	#16
ElGracho Gentleman Jim Driver Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Poulsbo, WA Posts: 1,553	I really like the high end line of Fel Pro Permadry plus gaskets. They are expensive (~$40 at Autozone) but they work great. They are rubber like modern factory gaskets and go on dry. They are reusable and have inserts to prevent overtorqing. __________________ Joe '75 GMC Gentleman Jim '84 Chev C10 Short Wide - Super duper plain (manual steering, manual brakes, no dome light, no cig lighter) '85 Chev C10 Short Wide - Super plain Vortec 4.8 4L60E trans also: '81 K30, '83 C30 Crew Dually, '84 M1028 CUCV, '85 M1009 CUCV, another '85 C10 SWB, '89 R3500 Flatbed



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10-13-2004, 12:31 AM	#18
ocbaud Garage Queen Material Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: USA Posts: 4,129	i'm very happy with jegs about this. they didnt have to take them back, and most places wouldnt, seeing as i ordered them back in febuary.

10-13-2004, 11:43 AM	#19
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	I've lucky enough to not break mine but mine are centerbolt style though. Not sure if that has helped or not. I use the fel-pro style for my truck. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

10-13-2004, 06:58 PM	#21
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	So far I like the Moroso blue rubber gaskets. I was using the fel-pro rubber, but they have these ridges that I think make them less affective. The moroso valve cover gasket i am speaking of is very similar material and texture to fel-pros 1-piece oil pan gasket. I highly recommend them. __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION *

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