Cast valve covers? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Daubs** · 06-12-2006, 09:32 AM

The crate 350 is running, but the drivers side valve cover is leaking oil like a champ. I have the fel-pro rubber / steel gaskets, but I'm thinking I tweaked the factory valve cover when installing (tried to pound out the kink...). Tried cranking them down a little more, but that didn't work.

(how the heck do I calculate 45 in/lbs on my torque wrench???)

Are cast valve covers better at retaining shape, and stopping leaks?

ratfreak88 · 06-12-2006, 09:38 AM

Sounds like you have identified the problem (bent valve cover). yes cast covers do retain their shape better, but overtighten them and they crack instead of bend. you probably can't calculate 45 in/lbs with a foot lb. wrench. that 45 in. = 4 ft/lbs. you will need an inch lb. wrench

clif1968 · 06-12-2006, 10:03 AM

I use a 7/16 nut driver, I can normally get them plenty tight without bending the cover. If I do use a ratchet I use a 1/4" drive and go a turn past snug. With a 3/8 drive ratchet I always overtighten them.

Fred T · 06-12-2006, 10:24 AM

Cast covers are better for holding their shape. On the stamped covers, start by making sure the flanges are straight and flat. If they aren't, they will leak, period. You can also buy some spreaders for the bolts, they help. Whatever you do, don't over-tighten them. The nut driver trick does work, but you can still bend the flange.

**Daubs** · 06-15-2006, 11:28 PM

Thanks. I'll probably end up getting new covers. Might try steel again (cheaper). I'll have to get another torque wrench. I tend to over-tighten things a bit.

*rage'nrat638* · 06-15-2006, 11:33 PM

try these gm good wrench extra heavy steel with stock baffels. and i used the stock spreaders

jimfulco · 06-15-2006, 11:36 PM

VALVE COVER HOLD DOWNS (mr. gasket) AKA "Load Spreaders"

6395 gold iridite
6396 chrome
6397 black

Gray Ghost · 06-16-2006, 12:20 AM

For one, you never should torque done valve covers. Best results come from installing studs, then using RTV on both sides of the gasket by putting it on the bottom of the gaskets, putting them on then using RTV on the valve cover lips, then installing them. You tighten only until tight. It's more of a resitance feel. If you go past just tight, you've created a leak.

**Daubs** · 06-16-2006, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rage'nrat638

try these gm good wrench extra heavy steel with stock baffels. and i used the stock spreaders

Do those covers come with standard oil filler hole?

06-12-2006, 09:32 AM	#1
Daubs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Eastern Nebraska Posts: 611	Cast valve covers? The crate 350 is running, but the drivers side valve cover is leaking oil like a champ. I have the fel-pro rubber / steel gaskets, but I'm thinking I tweaked the factory valve cover when installing (tried to pound out the kink...). Tried cranking them down a little more, but that didn't work. (how the heck do I calculate 45 in/lbs on my torque wrench???) Are cast valve covers better at retaining shape, and stopping leaks? __________________ '72 Chevy K-20 Crate 350, SM465, 4.10's

06-12-2006, 09:38 AM	#2
ratfreak88 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 17	Re: Cast valve covers? Sounds like you have identified the problem (bent valve cover). yes cast covers do retain their shape better, but overtighten them and they crack instead of bend. you probably can't calculate 45 in/lbs with a foot lb. wrench. that 45 in. = 4 ft/lbs. you will need an inch lb. wrench

06-12-2006, 10:03 AM	#3
clif1968 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Eufaula, OK Posts: 103	Re: Cast valve covers? I use a 7/16 nut driver, I can normally get them plenty tight without bending the cover. If I do use a ratchet I use a 1/4" drive and go a turn past snug. With a 3/8 drive ratchet I always overtighten them. __________________ Clif '68 C/10 LWB, 327, TH400, 12 bolt

06-12-2006, 10:24 AM	#4
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Re: Cast valve covers? Cast covers are better for holding their shape. On the stamped covers, start by making sure the flanges are straight and flat. If they aren't, they will leak, period. You can also buy some spreaders for the bolts, they help. Whatever you do, don't over-tighten them. The nut driver trick does work, but you can still bend the flange. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

06-15-2006, 11:28 PM	#5
Daubs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Eastern Nebraska Posts: 611	Re: Cast valve covers? Thanks. I'll probably end up getting new covers. Might try steel again (cheaper). I'll have to get another torque wrench. I tend to over-tighten things a bit. __________________ '72 Chevy K-20 Crate 350, SM465, 4.10's

06-15-2006, 11:33 PM	#6
rage'nrat638 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: THE FALL GUY CHICAGO IL Posts: 5,883	Re: Cast valve covers? try these gm good wrench extra heavy steel with stock baffels. and i used the stock spreaders Last edited by rage'nrat638; 07-12-2007 at 07:03 AM.

06-15-2006, 11:36 PM	#7
jimfulco Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Shreveport LA Posts: 3,170	Re: Cast valve covers? VALVE COVER HOLD DOWNS (mr. gasket) AKA "Load Spreaders" 6395 gold iridite 6396 chrome 6397 black

06-16-2006, 12:20 AM	#8
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: Cast valve covers? For one, you never should torque done valve covers. Best results come from installing studs, then using RTV on both sides of the gasket by putting it on the bottom of the gaskets, putting them on then using RTV on the valve cover lips, then installing them. You tighten only until tight. It's more of a resitance feel. If you go past just tight, you've created a leak. __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps.



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