Valve cover Leak

[hwiggles]

What is the secret to stopping Valve Cover Leaks? Maybe I'm using wrong type of gaskets(cork)? Please help my cement driveway.

[68 Suburban]

I got a nice set of valve cover gaskets at Auto Aone. I think they were felpro. They cost $19. They are hard plastic with a soft rubber that looks like a bunch of little squeegesaffect that seal to the heads and valve covers. They are reusable and I have not had a leak since.

[racedvl]

A aluminum set of valve covers would also help your cause.

[Stocker]

Look in the Chrome Dress-up Goodies section of the store for valve cover clamps, or tie-downs, or straps - shoot, I forget what they're called. What they are is a set of four chromed steel straps about 4" long with a hole in the center for the valve cover bolt. It spreads the load over more of the valve cover lip, and helps slow the rate of leakage!

[jjk3]

I always had leaks on my 327 with the aftermarket valve covers and the cork gasket. I think it was mainly the valve covers. I ended up buying a set of Moroso valve cover gaskets from Summit they are neoprene with steel inserts, they are reusable and you don't have to use any RTV. They stopped the leaks. I still have an unopened set in my shed. I think they were $32 for a set. Kinda expensive, but well worth it.

[jef5150]

sometimes on older stock valve covers,you get a "DIMPLE" on the bottom of the valve cover from the bolts being to tight,,,,you can flatten them out with a piece of wood,,,also the lip around the edge of the valve cover that is closest to the heads gets bent out,It should be straight...you can try to straighten them if theyre TWEEKED,,just a thought,,,,,, i did it too my oil pan jeff,,,,

[jef5150]

1

[ZOOMY]

Go to neoprene gaskets. Reuseable for years.

[Southpa]

Examine the top lip of the head for any nicks or dents that might allow oil through. If you find any maybe some sort of hard filler like JB Weld would fix it. But apply it cleanly, you don't want pieces in your engine. If you torque a valve cover bolt down too tightly you will pinch the edge of the valve cover. This could cause a middle section to bow upwards. Also whenever you replace your gaskets make sure both surfaces are clean, clean CLEAN!

[lukecp]

I have found that using the spreader bars mentioned above work good for a leak free seal. I have always used the thickest Fel Pro cork gaskets the parts store has, and "glued" them to the valvecover with Permatex Red Hi-Temp sealent, then put them on the head. So far, i haven't had any leaks. Those rubber or neoprene gaskets might be a good idea....i haven't tried any yet but i will when mine need to be replaced next.

[SweetandLong68]

If you have the Votec center bolt style then you definetly need some nice cast aluminum valve covers like were on the Corvettes that had them. Other wise you just need to get some nice valve covers with some of those neoprene gaskets. They seem to work all the time.

lata
CHRIS

[jimfulco]

I use a good quality cork gasket. Glue to a straight flange with yellow 3M, coat head side with Permatex #3 (Super 300), let it soak in, coat again & install with Corvair valve cover springs (load spreaders, but not chrome). Re-tighten after a year or two. They will leak again about 20 years later. Never had much luck with the neoprene ones. With the Permatex, they come right off, even after years.

[COBALT]

1. Good valve covers (aluminum, flat steel, etc.)
2. Hold-downs (the wider the better).
3. Some type of reusable gasket (moroso and fel-pro make the best).
4. Clean both the lip on the covers and the flange on the heads with brake cleaner and scotch brite until squeaky clean.
5. Tighten until cover completely seats, then STOP. don't overtighten.