No Valve cover gaskets ????? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

f.monroe · 12-29-2005, 11:02 PM

Does anyone know when GM started using Silicone gasket maker instead of gaskets on the valve covers . The reason I asked is that I installed new cover gaskets on my 78 today and there were no gaskets , just orange silicone . Could this be the way they were originally installed or did someone do this over the years ? The valve covers did not have the slightest bend around the bolts, the original plug wire holders are all in place and not broken , the truck is very low mileage and was with the original owner until 2002 , and the silicone was way to set to be recently applied . It was almost hard and was a trick to get off . It was also a perfect width bead that squeezed over the rail on the head perfectly . Also what plug wires were originally installed ? This truck has some grey wires and they are stamped Delicore . All of the hoses are stamped GM and the tower clamps are still on . It looks like it was never touched under the hood . Frank

84 400 · 12-30-2005, 03:59 AM

i am pretty sure they used valve cover gaskets from the factory but would have to check. silicon would have been cheaper for gm. i wonder......

SSC's76 · 12-30-2005, 09:00 AM

GM never used silicone. Someone put in on at a latter time to try stopping a leak from a bent valve cover no doubt.

85X3 · 12-30-2005, 09:18 AM

Might have been a camshaft recall recipient. Silicone was very popular at the dealerships.

**Captkaos** · 12-30-2005, 12:18 PM

All valvcovers come with gaskets even up to the current LS series.

f.monroe · 12-30-2005, 12:20 PM

I was just wondering since the valve covers didnt have the slightest amount of bend around the bolts . I know that when the gaskets are compressed,it tends to bend the covers around the holes . I didnt think about a camshaft recall . Maybe . I do know that it was a perfect width bead almost like it was applied by a machine . Frank

Slonaker · 12-30-2005, 02:19 PM

I used to have a '78 Buick with a 305 that I bought from a friend who was the original owner. The valve covers were installed with just RTV. I was told that it was factory.

Slonaker

Jonboy · 12-30-2005, 07:57 PM

That is certainly odd. Do you have any pics of it since it is home?

Slonaker · 12-30-2005, 09:00 PM

I just looked at the factory repair manual for my old '79 Cutlass. In the section for small SBC engines (and another engine...don't remember which) it gives directions for removing valve covers that are held on with RTV. When reinstalling the valve cover, the instructions say to use RTV. No mention is made of using a gasket.

When I pulled a valve cover off the 305 in my Buick, I had to pound on it with a rubber mallet to break loose the RTV. There was no gasket, just RTV.

I think this proves that GM was using RTV instead of gaskets at that time.

Slonaker

f.monroe · 12-30-2005, 10:03 PM

Slonaker , Thanks for the info . I feel that the silicone was original . This truck is just that original and the bead was too perfect . Mine came loose a little easier since they were leaking . I imagine that the assembly plants used silicone in some situations.
Jonboy , I have been trying to take pics to post . I cant seem to save them as jpg files small enough to post and I dont have a web hosting . I can save them as .bmp. files but they are way too large . I took pics today with my wifes 35mm and will have them put on disc . I will try to post when they come in . This little truck isnt perfect but it is unbelievable in its originality . No rust on any of the original panels , all original paint , and basically a new appearing interior , just that its all 28 years old . I looked at the carb and it appears that the date code show it to be original and it is still a nice original gold color . It even has the original windshield I think and its perfect . I am going to look up glass dates on the web to try to verify this . I planned to use it as a daily driver but I think its too nice for that . As soon as I can figure out how to post pics I will . Frank

Bowed · 12-30-2005, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slonaker

I think this proves that GM was using RTV instead of gaskets at that time.

Slonaker

G.M. did use it for some applications in the 70's . I remember working on some engines at that time that were RTV from the factory . There even was a service bullitin that said not to use valve cover gaskets on the covers that had come thru with the RTV but to redo them with RTV again ( some kind of leak problem ) . I did not like the silicone system because it was messy so I would change those engines over to regular gaskets anyway .

.

f.monroe · 12-30-2005, 10:33 PM

Bowed ,
Thanks for the info . On the ones that you converted to gaskets , did you have any problems with the rocker arms hitting the valve cover baffle ? Mine was hitting slightly and making a tapping noise once I reassembled it . I had to bend the baffle towards the back of the engine slightly to get it to clear . I have never had that problem before but its queit now . Frank

cliffsta · 12-31-2005, 04:17 AM

When I get my 305 longblock I'm definately getting better quality valve covers than factory. I remember when I was little(r) helping daddy replace those stupid gaskets and it still leaked(s) oil from them. We changed gaskets, glooped it with silicon, got it to not leak finally, but the factory valve covers just seem to suck on my truck. By now they are bent, too.

But then again, almost 26 years old, things aren't gonna be like new.

Man, an almost completely original 77, that's pretty saweet. Got the paperwork for it? I remember you talking about the windshield and stickeres, it would be nice to have all the paperwork.

I'm lucky being as mine is still** one-owner (daddy bought it, still in his name) I have ALL the original paperwork including the actual build sheet, original title, etc, etc.

Anyways sorry for wandering off-topic, good luck with them stupid valve covers!

SSC's76 · 12-31-2005, 04:12 PM

Sorry guys I searched the TSB's back to 1977 and no such mention of silicone as a proper replacement for a VC gasket. If you think it came from the factory that way it dident.

Slonaker · 01-01-2006, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSC's76

Sorry guys I searched the TSB's back to 1977 and no such mention of silicone as a proper replacement for a VC gasket. If you think it came from the factory that way it dident.

It is not a replacement. They came that way, and were supposed to be replaced that way. Therefore, no TSB would be needed.

I don't have any old Chevy literature, but this is from a 1979 Oldsmobile factory shop manual. This is the section for the smallblock Chevy 305 and 350 engines that were available in Oldsmobiles that year.

http://slonaker.net/images/truck/rtv/page1.jpg

http://slonaker.net/images/truck/rtv/page2.jpg

Notice it says that the valve cover will come to the mechanic with RTV and should be replaced with the same.

Slonaker

12-29-2005, 11:02 PM	#1
f.monroe Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Caldwell,Tx. Posts: 3,648	No Valve cover gaskets ????? Does anyone know when GM started using Silicone gasket maker instead of gaskets on the valve covers . The reason I asked is that I installed new cover gaskets on my 78 today and there were no gaskets , just orange silicone . Could this be the way they were originally installed or did someone do this over the years ? The valve covers did not have the slightest bend around the bolts, the original plug wire holders are all in place and not broken , the truck is very low mileage and was with the original owner until 2002 , and the silicone was way to set to be recently applied . It was almost hard and was a trick to get off . It was also a perfect width bead that squeezed over the rail on the head perfectly . Also what plug wires were originally installed ? This truck has some grey wires and they are stamped Delicore . All of the hoses are stamped GM and the tower clamps are still on . It looks like it was never touched under the hood . Frank __________________ Born and proudly residing in a Red State !

12-30-2005, 03:59 AM	#2
84 400 Sb 400 club Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NH / MA Posts: 2,741	Re: No Valve cover gaskets ????? i am pretty sure they used valve cover gaskets from the factory but would have to check. silicon would have been cheaper for gm. i wonder...... __________________ 1984 chevy c10, built 400sb,.(SOLD) 77 K10 Project / daily driver "The Grinch" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=318363 1956 Willys Wagon (327 chevy) Project (Now Buick 225) 1980 Corvette L-48 4 speed 1992 Mustang GT built 5.0 5 speed 1985 C10 LWB Sold 1982 K10 SWB plow truck Parted out 1986 D30 M1028 fire brush truck Parted out

12-30-2005, 09:00 AM	#3
SSC's76 No No Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pueblo Colorado Posts: 1,781	Re: No Valve cover gaskets ????? GM never used silicone. Someone put in on at a latter time to try stopping a leak from a bent valve cover no doubt. __________________ 1976 Custom Deluxe SWB Med FMB.3/4 Drop. Gen VI 454, Muncie HD 3 speed With Modified OE Hurst Shifter, 3.73 12 bolt, GMPP HO roller cam, Hooker headers, Performer intake with modified Q-jet, Accel distributor. Best 1/4 12.3 @108. Funnest run 19.84 @88 full 1/4 mile burn out. 1997 K1500 ext cab 5.7 stock except muffler

12-30-2005, 09:18 AM	#4
85X3 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Mid MI Posts: 67	Re: No Valve cover gaskets ????? Might have been a camshaft recall recipient. Silicone was very popular at the dealerships.

12-30-2005, 12:18 PM	#5
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Re: No Valve cover gaskets ????? All valvcovers come with gaskets even up to the current LS series. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

12-30-2005, 12:20 PM	#6
f.monroe Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Caldwell,Tx. Posts: 3,648	Re: No Valve cover gaskets ????? I was just wondering since the valve covers didnt have the slightest amount of bend around the bolts . I know that when the gaskets are compressed,it tends to bend the covers around the holes . I didnt think about a camshaft recall . Maybe . I do know that it was a perfect width bead almost like it was applied by a machine . Frank __________________ Born and proudly residing in a Red State !

12-30-2005, 02:19 PM	#7
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	Re: No Valve cover gaskets ????? I used to have a '78 Buick with a 305 that I bought from a friend who was the original owner. The valve covers were installed with just RTV. I was told that it was factory. Slonaker __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado

12-30-2005, 07:57 PM	#8
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: No Valve cover gaskets ????? That is certainly odd. Do you have any pics of it since it is home? __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

12-30-2005, 09:00 PM	#9
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	Re: No Valve cover gaskets ????? I just looked at the factory repair manual for my old '79 Cutlass. In the section for small SBC engines (and another engine...don't remember which) it gives directions for removing valve covers that are held on with RTV. When reinstalling the valve cover, the instructions say to use RTV. No mention is made of using a gasket. When I pulled a valve cover off the 305 in my Buick, I had to pound on it with a rubber mallet to break loose the RTV. There was no gasket, just RTV. I think this proves that GM was using RTV instead of gaskets at that time. Slonaker __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado

12-30-2005, 10:03 PM	#10
f.monroe Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Caldwell,Tx. Posts: 3,648	Re: No Valve cover gaskets ????? Slonaker , Thanks for the info . I feel that the silicone was original . This truck is just that original and the bead was too perfect . Mine came loose a little easier since they were leaking . I imagine that the assembly plants used silicone in some situations. Jonboy , I have been trying to take pics to post . I cant seem to save them as jpg files small enough to post and I dont have a web hosting . I can save them as .bmp. files but they are way too large . I took pics today with my wifes 35mm and will have them put on disc . I will try to post when they come in . This little truck isnt perfect but it is unbelievable in its originality . No rust on any of the original panels , all original paint , and basically a new appearing interior , just that its all 28 years old . I looked at the carb and it appears that the date code show it to be original and it is still a nice original gold color . It even has the original windshield I think and its perfect . I am going to look up glass dates on the web to try to verify this . I planned to use it as a daily driver but I think its too nice for that . As soon as I can figure out how to post pics I will . Frank __________________ Born and proudly residing in a Red State !

12-30-2005, 10:33 PM	#12
f.monroe Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Caldwell,Tx. Posts: 3,648	Re: No Valve cover gaskets ????? Bowed , Thanks for the info . On the ones that you converted to gaskets , did you have any problems with the rocker arms hitting the valve cover baffle ? Mine was hitting slightly and making a tapping noise once I reassembled it . I had to bend the baffle towards the back of the engine slightly to get it to clear . I have never had that problem before but its queit now . Frank __________________ Born and proudly residing in a Red State !

12-31-2005, 04:17 AM	#13
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	Re: No Valve cover gaskets ????? When I get my 305 longblock I'm definately getting better quality valve covers than factory. I remember when I was little(r) helping daddy replace those stupid gaskets and it still leaked(s) oil from them. We changed gaskets, glooped it with silicon, got it to not leak finally, but the factory valve covers just seem to suck on my truck. By now they are bent, too. But then again, almost 26 years old, things aren't gonna be like new. Man, an almost completely original 77, that's pretty saweet. Got the paperwork for it? I remember you talking about the windshield and stickeres, it would be nice to have all the paperwork. I'm lucky being as mine is still** one-owner (daddy bought it, still in his name) I have ALL the original paperwork including the actual build sheet, original title, etc, etc. Anyways sorry for wandering off-topic, good luck with them stupid valve covers! __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord

12-31-2005, 04:12 PM	#14
SSC's76 No No Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pueblo Colorado Posts: 1,781	Re: No Valve cover gaskets ????? Sorry guys I searched the TSB's back to 1977 and no such mention of silicone as a proper replacement for a VC gasket. If you think it came from the factory that way it dident. __________________ 1976 Custom Deluxe SWB Med FMB.3/4 Drop. Gen VI 454, Muncie HD 3 speed With Modified OE Hurst Shifter, 3.73 12 bolt, GMPP HO roller cam, Hooker headers, Performer intake with modified Q-jet, Accel distributor. Best 1/4 12.3 @108. Funnest run 19.84 @88 full 1/4 mile burn out. 1997 K1500 ext cab 5.7 stock except muffler



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