valve cover gaskets

[81ratrodc10]

when replacing valve cover gaskets do i need any rtv or any thing like that or just clean the othe one off and put new ones on

[S10Fan]

For me............

I just clean the covers and use a dab of rtv to hold the gasket in place while positioning the cover to the head. Oh, and don't use an impact wrench when tightening the bolts. LOL.

[81ratrodc10]

ya im goint ta paint my covers so i need to replace the gaskets just diidnt know

[Hottrucks]

I would clean the paint off put a thin layer of rtv ...but just enough to make it stick to the cover then place the gasket and wait till the next day..wipe some oil on the gasket and put it on...I figure that if I ever have to pull the valve cover its easy to clean off the Valve cover but doesn't stick to the head...

[79gmcc15]

What I did last time was put some gorilla snot on both the gasket(one side) and cover. Gorilla snot will actually not dry hard, it will be stretchy and is better. placed it on there and used cloths pins and kept it on there till it dried. Use cork only, learned that rubber can sometimes harden and lose its seal and cork is softer so you don't need to reef on the bolts and warp the covers.

[81ratrodc10]

cool that wass my next question witch to use cork is better?

[78chevstepside]

I like rubber coated steel gaskets. cost more but last forever. No need for atv

[85Bowtie]

Don't overtighten them either. Just nice and easy until you feel like you have to start putting force into it. After it runs and heat cycles, retighten them "hand" tight again. If you overtighten them, you'll for sure get leaks

[81ratrodc10]

cool thanx

[old Rusty C10]

i swear by cork gaskets and use a thin layer of rtv on em

[westofb]

If you use cork gaskets, pay a little extra and get the thicher ones, they are a lot less prone to leakage. I would use a small amount of weatherstrip adhesive to hold the gasket to the valve cover during the install. That stuff is very sticky and dries quickly, works like a charm to hold them in place while wigglying in the valve covers.

[motornut]

in my 85 it has center holed valve covers,i used indian head gasket shellack to hold the blue neoprene,(not cork)in place

[silvereagle07]

Originally Posted by 79gmcc15

What I did last time was put some gorilla snot on both the gasket(one side) and cover. Gorilla snot will actually not dry hard, it will be stretchy and is better. placed it on there and used cloths pins and kept it on there till it dried. Use cork only, learned that rubber can sometimes harden and lose its seal and cork is softer so you don't need to reef on the bolts and warp the covers.

I agree, gorilla snot and cork! Just make sure you have a very clean surface first.

[81ratrodc10]

well painted them and replaced gasket went pretty smooth thanx for the help

[Hottrucks]

sweet some black out of a rattle can on your brackets and you'll be in biz

[81ratrodc10]

i know my girlfriend is giving me crap about it sya the look like crap now that i painted them but tomarrows another day

[Moostifer]

Originally Posted by Hottrucks

I would clean the paint off put a thin layer of rtv ...but just enough to make it stick to the cover then place the gasket and wait till the next day..wipe some oil on the gasket and put it on...I figure that if I ever have to pull the valve cover its easy to clean off the Valve cover but doesn't stick to the head...

exactly how I do mine! never leaks, and I'm constantly pulling them off and putting them back on


edit* guess I should have read the whole thread..Doh!

looks good Ratrod!

[silvereagle07]

Looks great ratrodc10! I agree about the brackets. They need some attention too. Maybe try to shorten the air cleaner rod (hacksaw). Looks great either way man, good job!

[81ratrodc10]

im just waiting till i need a new air cleaner and going to go with a taller one lol

[79gmcc15]

Nice work man!