Valve cover gaskets and hold downs - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

gcburdic · 07-12-2009, 09:39 PM

So I finished polishing these up and want to know which VC gaskets and hold downs I should use....they are aluminum VC....(I have spreader bars and long T-bars, but wasn't sure if I should reuse those??)

Thanks for your input!!!...Geoff

crm318 · 07-12-2009, 09:55 PM

I dont think youll need to use spreaders. Those valve covers are thick casted and the are designed better.

1967C20 · 07-12-2009, 10:45 PM

Yeah, what he said. Also, you can use regular gaskets. Just don't tighten too tight; could crack the valve cover. Cast covers seal so much nicer than the stamped stuff.

tim21391 · 07-12-2009, 11:53 PM

i use high dollar ones that have copper in it.. they are blue rubber with the copper or whatever in them its about 40 bucks for them they are reusable

gcburdic · 07-13-2009, 09:33 PM

Thanks for the input...I picked up some Fel Pro Perma Dry Plus (part #VC12869T)...
these things are stout!!...Silicone around a steel core....Paid $32 for them at NAPA....

**leddzepp** · 07-13-2009, 09:46 PM

gcburdic- You bought the correct gaskets. You will not be disappointed with those.

bamabaxter · 07-13-2009, 11:01 PM

Just lettin ya'll know Napa carries a cork gasket that is twice as thick as the normal ones they stock for a SBC. You have to ask for them and they are only about 12 bucks. I know there are others out there like me that just will never use anything but cork. just a little extra info that is all. I know which gaskets you bought and they are definitely some quality gaskets. Don't want anyone to think I was knockin' them.

tim21391 · 07-14-2009, 01:06 AM

the perma dry was what i was talkin about.. i got them on my dads mustang.. best ones i ever uses.. didnt even need adhesive

KEL · 07-14-2009, 07:48 AM

those look like the covers on my truck.
the flange was just enough thicker that my
stock bolts would not reach. might want to
check that before you start with the rtv.

Ole Blue 68 · 07-14-2009, 08:06 AM

Agree on the Perma Dry. Put them on mine and no more leaks.

Sinister · 07-14-2009, 09:08 AM

Nice valve covers. I think Summit has aluminum t-bars, chrome ones might look a little off next to the aluminum. Studs and nuts would look good too.

gcburdic · 07-14-2009, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KEL

those look like the covers on my truck.
the flange was just enough thicker that my
stock bolts would not reach. might want to
check that before you start with the rtv.

rtv is not needed on these gaskets, but I appreciate the heads up for the fit issue.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinister

Nice valve covers. I think Summit has aluminum t-bars, chrome ones might look a little off next to the aluminum. Studs and nuts would look good too.

Thansk Sinister....I'll check it out!!!

Tx Firefighter · 07-14-2009, 11:56 AM

I always figured those t bolt quick release fasteners kind of implied that I was always having to work on my engine.

BTW, Permadry gaskets are the best. I've used the same set on several engines.

unclewatts · 07-14-2009, 12:54 PM

I used Mickey Thompson cast aluminum covers on my SBC and the extra thick gaskets from Napa. I bought a tube of Permatex no.2 soft gasket gunk and applied it to both sides and installed them. My covers didn't even come with spreaders as I think only pressed steel covers use them. One thing though, After I tightened the wing style bolts down the next day I found them fairly loose. I retightened them repeatedly for the next few days and now they are nice and tight and no leaks!

gcburdic · 07-15-2009, 09:09 PM

So I installed the VC and gasket, but passenger outside between the t-bars it leaks some.....any idea what I need to do to make it seat better.....I didn't think I should use gasket gunk???...It even says not to on the box???...Thanks

Ole Blue 68 · 07-16-2009, 11:10 AM

Did you use the spreader bars?

I had a leak on my driver's side and decided to use some RTV and that did the trick. I suspect that I may not be able to re-use that gasket though...

gcburdic · 07-16-2009, 01:02 PM

Nope...didn't use the spreaders....I'll check to see if the t-bars are bottoming out and not seating on the gasket tonight.....may go w/ the rtv if all else fails!!!

Tx Firefighter · 07-16-2009, 01:10 PM

There is something wrong then. Felpro designed those gaskets to be installed without sealer. I have a pair of them on different engines and even different valve covers and never a leak without sealer. When I blew up the engine, I took the ARP bolts and the permadry gaskets off of it before I scrapped it and used them again on the next engine. I put 100k miles on the next engine.

Either your valve covers are warped, there is some foreign matter on the head where the gasket seats, or the bolts are bottoming out in the holes before the cover is cinched down.

gcburdic · 07-16-2009, 01:19 PM

Thanks TX FF....I did have the VC on a flat surface to make sure they weren't warped when I bought them....I did check/ wipe the lip of the head before installing the gasket....so the last thing I need to do is check for the bolts bottoming out (I hope this is the case)....can you recommend better hold downs (I definitely don't like the t-bars)...you mention ARP...where can I get some??

Tx Firefighter · 07-16-2009, 01:25 PM

I get all my parts from Summit.

Ole Blue 68 · 07-16-2009, 01:42 PM

In my case it was the VC (cheap Edelbrocks) and not the gasket itself.

gcburdic · 07-16-2009, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

I get all my parts from Summit.

ah ha....these will work...thanks TX FF....http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-400-7507/

Hawker7 · 11-15-2009, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcburdic

ah ha....these will work...thanks TX FF....http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-400-7507/

Did you ever get your valve cover to stop leaking? I have the same gaskets and mine is leaking on the back on both sides. I have taken them back off to make sure everything is level and torqued them to 3 foot pounds and still have leaks.

bamabaxter · 11-15-2009, 05:08 PM

What kind of gaskets did you use? If you used cork, did you RTV them to the valve cover?

Hawker7 · 11-15-2009, 05:19 PM

I used Fel Pro Perma Dry Plus rubber ones

07-12-2009, 09:39 PM	#1
gcburdic Restoration Virgin! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Huntersville, NC Posts: 8,298	Valve cover gaskets and hold downs So I finished polishing these up and want to know which VC gaskets and hold downs I should use....they are aluminum VC....(I have spreader bars and long T-bars, but wasn't sure if I should reuse those??) Thanks for your input!!!...Geoff Attached Images __________________ Geoff with a G 1968 Chevy C10 SWB The Mistress 1972 Custom Deluxe C20 Suburban A Suburban Named Isabella 1966 Ford Mustang Mama's High School Graduation Present

07-12-2009, 09:55 PM	#2
crm318 Alright Alright Alright Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Midland, Texas Posts: 1,672	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs I dont think youll need to use spreaders. Those valve covers are thick casted and the are designed better. __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Chevrolet red and white 357ci, Vortec heads, GM Performance high rise intake, Comp 268H .454/.454 218/218 110 LSA Quadrajet carb, Flowtech headers, 2.25 40 series HEI, Curve kit, TH 350, 3.07 gears 275/60/15s on 15x8 rallies

07-12-2009, 10:45 PM	#3
1967C20 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: China Grove, NC Posts: 122	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs Yeah, what he said. Also, you can use regular gaskets. Just don't tighten too tight; could crack the valve cover. Cast covers seal so much nicer than the stamped stuff. __________________ "A man's got to know his limitations." - Dirty Harry _______________________________________________ 1967 C20 Custom Camper, 327, Powerglide, PS, PB, No-Spin Locker

07-12-2009, 11:53 PM	#4
tim21391 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Salina, Kansas Posts: 1,998	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs i use high dollar ones that have copper in it.. they are blue rubber with the copper or whatever in them its about 40 bucks for them they are reusable __________________ 1972 C-10...402/400..flowmaster 40 series 1967 Mustang 347 stroker/C-4 1966 Mustang 289/3-speed 2013 Mustang V6/6speed w/300 ponies I may be 23, but i sure do knows 67-72s are sexy! Its not MPG its smiles per gallon! build started 11/25/08 build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=2993796

07-13-2009, 09:33 PM	#5
gcburdic Restoration Virgin! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Huntersville, NC Posts: 8,298	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs Thanks for the input...I picked up some Fel Pro Perma Dry Plus (part #VC12869T)... these things are stout!!...Silicone around a steel core....Paid $32 for them at NAPA.... __________________ Geoff with a G 1968 Chevy C10 SWB The Mistress 1972 Custom Deluxe C20 Suburban A Suburban Named Isabella 1966 Ford Mustang Mama's High School Graduation Present

07-13-2009, 09:46 PM	#6
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,002	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs gcburdic- You bought the correct gaskets. You will not be disappointed with those. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

07-13-2009, 11:01 PM	#7
bamabaxter Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Clinton, MS Posts: 545	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs Just lettin ya'll know Napa carries a cork gasket that is twice as thick as the normal ones they stock for a SBC. You have to ask for them and they are only about 12 bucks. I know there are others out there like me that just will never use anything but cork. just a little extra info that is all. I know which gaskets you bought and they are definitely some quality gaskets. Don't want anyone to think I was knockin' them. __________________ '72 Chevy C10 383, 700r4, 3.73's A little rust never hurt anyone. I consider it weight reduction.

07-14-2009, 01:06 AM	#8
tim21391 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Salina, Kansas Posts: 1,998	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs the perma dry was what i was talkin about.. i got them on my dads mustang.. best ones i ever uses.. didnt even need adhesive __________________ 1972 C-10...402/400..flowmaster 40 series 1967 Mustang 347 stroker/C-4 1966 Mustang 289/3-speed 2013 Mustang V6/6speed w/300 ponies I may be 23, but i sure do knows 67-72s are sexy! Its not MPG its smiles per gallon! build started 11/25/08 build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=2993796

07-14-2009, 07:48 AM	#9
KEL 72 GMC Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Wells, Maine Posts: 534	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs those look like the covers on my truck. the flange was just enough thicker that my stock bolts would not reach. might want to check that before you start with the rtv.

07-14-2009, 08:06 AM	#10
Ole Blue 68 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Philly Posts: 1,140	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs Agree on the Perma Dry. Put them on mine and no more leaks.

07-14-2009, 09:08 AM	#11
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs Nice valve covers. I think Summit has aluminum t-bars, chrome ones might look a little off next to the aluminum. Studs and nuts would look good too. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match... Last edited by Sinister; 07-14-2009 at 09:09 AM.

07-14-2009, 11:56 AM	#13
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs I always figured those t bolt quick release fasteners kind of implied that I was always having to work on my engine. BTW, Permadry gaskets are the best. I've used the same set on several engines. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

07-14-2009, 12:54 PM	#14
unclewatts 70 Chevrolet=Obsession Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: nice ca Posts: 1,067	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs I used Mickey Thompson cast aluminum covers on my SBC and the extra thick gaskets from Napa. I bought a tube of Permatex no.2 soft gasket gunk and applied it to both sides and installed them. My covers didn't even come with spreaders as I think only pressed steel covers use them. One thing though, After I tightened the wing style bolts down the next day I found them fairly loose. I retightened them repeatedly for the next few days and now they are nice and tight and no leaks! __________________ I'm Just like my truck. Old, Ugly and Grouchy. Except my truck starts easily in the morning and doesn't smoke! IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN! -Kermit the frog 1970 Chevrolet C-10 Longbed Stepside : 350, Muncie M20, 3.08 GM corp. positraction Forest green exterior/light green interior(Where all my money goes) 1996 Toyota Corolla (Parts runner)

07-15-2009, 09:09 PM	#15
gcburdic Restoration Virgin! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Huntersville, NC Posts: 8,298	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs So I installed the VC and gasket, but passenger outside between the t-bars it leaks some.....any idea what I need to do to make it seat better.....I didn't think I should use gasket gunk???...It even says not to on the box???...Thanks __________________ Geoff with a G 1968 Chevy C10 SWB The Mistress 1972 Custom Deluxe C20 Suburban A Suburban Named Isabella 1966 Ford Mustang Mama's High School Graduation Present

07-16-2009, 11:10 AM	#16
Ole Blue 68 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Philly Posts: 1,140	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs Did you use the spreader bars? I had a leak on my driver's side and decided to use some RTV and that did the trick. I suspect that I may not be able to re-use that gasket though...



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

07-16-2009, 01:02 PM	#17
gcburdic Restoration Virgin! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Huntersville, NC Posts: 8,298	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs Nope...didn't use the spreaders....I'll check to see if the t-bars are bottoming out and not seating on the gasket tonight.....may go w/ the rtv if all else fails!!! __________________ Geoff with a G 1968 Chevy C10 SWB The Mistress 1972 Custom Deluxe C20 Suburban A Suburban Named Isabella 1966 Ford Mustang Mama's High School Graduation Present

07-16-2009, 01:10 PM	#18
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs There is something wrong then. Felpro designed those gaskets to be installed without sealer. I have a pair of them on different engines and even different valve covers and never a leak without sealer. When I blew up the engine, I took the ARP bolts and the permadry gaskets off of it before I scrapped it and used them again on the next engine. I put 100k miles on the next engine. Either your valve covers are warped, there is some foreign matter on the head where the gasket seats, or the bolts are bottoming out in the holes before the cover is cinched down. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

07-16-2009, 01:19 PM	#19
gcburdic Restoration Virgin! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Huntersville, NC Posts: 8,298	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs Thanks TX FF....I did have the VC on a flat surface to make sure they weren't warped when I bought them....I did check/ wipe the lip of the head before installing the gasket....so the last thing I need to do is check for the bolts bottoming out (I hope this is the case)....can you recommend better hold downs (I definitely don't like the t-bars)...you mention ARP...where can I get some?? __________________ Geoff with a G 1968 Chevy C10 SWB The Mistress 1972 Custom Deluxe C20 Suburban A Suburban Named Isabella 1966 Ford Mustang Mama's High School Graduation Present

07-16-2009, 01:25 PM	#20
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs I get all my parts from Summit. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

07-16-2009, 01:42 PM	#21
Ole Blue 68 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Philly Posts: 1,140	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs In my case it was the VC (cheap Edelbrocks) and not the gasket itself.

11-15-2009, 05:08 PM	#24
bamabaxter Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Clinton, MS Posts: 545	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs What kind of gaskets did you use? If you used cork, did you RTV them to the valve cover? __________________ '72 Chevy C10 383, 700r4, 3.73's A little rust never hurt anyone. I consider it weight reduction.

11-15-2009, 05:19 PM	#25
Hawker7 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 321	Re: Valve cover gaskets and hold downs I used Fel Pro Perma Dry Plus rubber ones

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.