Leaky valve covers
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Leaky valve covers
I'm sure you all have many different ideas, so I'm looking forward to some solutions.
I refinished my valve covers late in the fall and have driven my 66BB a few times since. When I got underneath to do my annual spring cleaning (still cold here) I noticed oil was weeping past the valve cover gaskets. I installed the "correct" cork gaskets. I used a thin bead of gasket adhesive to hold the gasket to the valve cover then carefully torqued them down.
I have a set of Fel-Pro synthetic gaskets that I would be glad to use if that's the way to stop the leaking.
Suggestions?
I refinished my valve covers late in the fall and have driven my 66BB a few times since. When I got underneath to do my annual spring cleaning (still cold here) I noticed oil was weeping past the valve cover gaskets. I installed the "correct" cork gaskets. I used a thin bead of gasket adhesive to hold the gasket to the valve cover then carefully torqued them down.
I have a set of Fel-Pro synthetic gaskets that I would be glad to use if that's the way to stop the leaking.
Suggestions?
#2
Melting Slicks
Try a 1/8" wide, continuous bead of "The Right Stuff" between the cover and the gasket. I had 2 mechanics tell me that it's the only gasket sealer they use now. I recently replaced my pan, valve cover, intake manifold and thermostat gaskets with "The Right Stuff".....with no leaks.
#3
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C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
Make sure your valve cover rails are perfectly straight. If not, when you tighten at the bolts you get uneven pressure along the cover, and that results in leaks. Take a straight edge, lay it on it. If it need tweeking, use a brass drift or some other suitable object to hold againt the rail and pean it with your hammer then check it again until it's true. Dennis
#4
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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C1 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Bluestripes right, most tin covers leak 'cause they were overtightened at some point. Use the straight edge of as I do the edge of a steel work bench and body hammer. Once straight I glue the gasket to the cover using contact cement, and just a little oil or grease on a rag for the mating surface side, make sure yu use those load spreader washers that came with the car, and make 'em just snug, or torque them to be sure.