Non Cheap valve covers

[catch2otwo]

PO had installed some cheap edelbrock valve covers. They are leaky at the gasket but also through the extremely loose breathers. Can anyone recommend a good quality valve cover? Doesn't have to be bling, hell Ill buy factory stock if those are the best. I cannot stand my motor leaking

[big_al_71]

Billet specialties and have been there for five years and zero leaks..

[TBONE1964]

Sounds like you need better breather grommets. I have never been a fan of Edelbrock products but if installed correctly, they should not leak. The two biggest reasons why valve covers leak is the use of RTV with the gasket and over tightening the bolts.

I would find a nice set of factory ones myself. All you need is a dab of trim adhesive to hold the gasket in place while installing. Make sure the valve cover sets flat on the cylinder head before the gasket and you should be good to go.

[cdowns]

a good workin PCV system and nice tight grommets are a must for even the most expensive valve covers as well as the cheapest

[HotRod C/10]

Nice set here

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=579535

[catch2otwo]

Ive thought about redoing the gaskets, but do not know if the breather grommets are available on their own. Do they all use the same size grommet? The breathers are so loose you can just move em around. Maybe new gaskets and grommets are the answer?

edit: quick search on summit racing has a whole lot of grommets to choose from. guess ill pull the covers off and measure the wholes and try new grommets. Any recommendations on a good valve cover gasket? might as well replace them while they are off

[GASoline71]

I've got old chrome $25 dollar cheapies on my rig... no leaks whatsoever. It's all about how you use the gaskets, and not to over torque the fasteners. Plus a working PCV system is a must.

Gary

[catch2otwo]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

I've got old chrome $25 dollar cheapies on my rig... no leaks whatsoever. It's all about how you use the gaskets, and not to over torque the fasteners. Plus a working PCV system is a must.

Gary

I see, going to need a little schooling on PCV system...

From my understanding with some googling, the pcv system is just to return crankcase pressure into the motor? Looking at this pic I found, my passenger side valve cover does not have a line that runs back into anything. Both covers just have breathers...

[TBONE1964]

Can you take a photo of your engine just like the one you posted?

Much easier to figure out what you have to work with.

[catch2otwo]

[TBONE1964]

OK, now we are getting somewhere. Do you know what yr the engine is? Pre 67? It may have never had a PCV system and used what they call a down draft tube. If that is the case, you will see it in the back on the passenger side near the distributor. If that is what you have, it can be modified to use a PCV valve.

[catch2otwo]

i didnt notice any tube that was just open. Ill check again

[BigCountryx]

Aaaahhhh run for the hills, he's got a rubber fuel line, lol. I just had to say it first. Really I'm just interested in the topic.
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[sir_talk_alot]

Originally Posted by cdowns

a good workin PCV system and nice tight grommets are a must for even the most expensive valve covers as well as the cheapest

You dont want to sell a set of those sbc finned covers do you? Pm me if you do
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[cdowns]

Originally Posted by sir_talk_alot

You dont want to sell a set of those sbc finned covers do you? Pm me if you do
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sorry i do not sell stuff online or do shipping // i just collect and cleanup a bunch of cheap aluminium parts mostly intakes and valve covers then once twice a year go sell at swapmeets for a weekend getaway and a bonus payday

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by catch2otwo

i didnt notice any tube that was just open. Ill check again

If not, you need to get a PCV grommet for your valve covers and eliminate one of the breathers. Use the vacumm source on your carb. The one with the bolt stuck in the hose will work.

Should be fairly simple.

1 PCV grommet
1 PCV valve
1 3/8 piece of fuel hose about 16 inch (give or take depending on routing)
1 new breather grommet for the other side.

Should route something like the photo attached.

Notice the valve covers in the photo have no breathers. Just the oil fill cap has the breather. There are several options but the point is to get a PCV system working on your engine.

[catch2otwo]

Thanks for your help. Ill redo the grommets and hook up a pcv system. I see alot of the pcv valves on the passenger side cover, but the one you pictured is on the drivers side. Im assuming it doesnt matter which side its on?

Oh also, are there specific sizes for these pcv valves? If I go to the local auto parts place, what do I need to tell them? ID of my breather hole?

[TBONE1964]

If you have a PCV grommet which is usually smaller than a breather grommet, you should be OK. Those grommets can often be found on "help" boards in many auto parts stores. If you want the PCV to have a 90 degree elbow molded on it, then ask for one for a 78 chevy 1/2 ton pick up with a 350 and A/C.

You should be good with this set up.

[catch2otwo]

Originally Posted by TBONE1964

If you have a PCV grommet which is usually smaller than a breather grommet, you should be OK. Those grommets can often be found on "help" boards in many auto parts stores. If you want the PCV to have a 90 degree elbow molded on it, then ask for one for a 78 chevy 1/2 ton pick up with a 350 and A/C.

You should be good with this set up.

excellent, thanks alot for the help

[Z10]

I've got a pair of new heavy cast that I might turn loose of. I was going to use them when I rebuilt my 350, but instead I'm using a ZZ4 with center bolt valve covers and won't need these. I've also coated them with Nyalic so they should stay shiny much longer

[sir_talk_alot]

[QUOTE=Z10;6069570]I've got a pair of new heavy cast that I might turn loose of. I was going to use them when I rebuilt my 350, but instead I'm using a ZZ4 with center bolt valve covers and won't need these. I've also coated them with Nyalic so they should stay shiny much longer[URL=http://s20.photobucket.com/user/wtz10/media/IMG_0367.jpg.html][IMG]http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b213/wtz10/IMG_0367.jpg[/

Pm about them
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