Valve Cover Leaks....
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 221
Likes: 24
From: HOMOSASSA FL
Valve Cover Leaks....
Morning Everyone, Just found out that the valve covers are leaking On my 1970 Corvette 350/300HP Auto. Last part of the restore is leaks..... Instead reinventing the wheel can someone tell me the proper material, vender, and proper procedure they used in stopping the leaks. The valve covers are original steel and I do have an original pair of OEM aluminum covers. I used a pair of original cork gasket from GM when I rebuilt the engine. Torqued the covers to the proper spec. The valve covers are flat and straight no dings or dents.. Thank you Droop... PS I have a feeling that leaks will be unending due to the Corvette sitting for long periods of time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,151
Likes: 294
From: Opelousas, Lousiana
CI 6-7 & 9 Veteran
My 72 SB was leaking there, the pan, the main seal, and the intake manifold was leaking coolant. I think this was a result of the car sitting up and infrequent driving. All of it is now sealed and the parts were from Paragon and it no longer leaks oil. I don't have the part numbers but Paragon has a great online parts store that is easy to use.
Good Luck
Good Luck
Morning Everyone, Just found out that the valve covers are leaking On my 1970 Corvette 350/300HP Auto. Last part of the restore is leaks..... Instead reinventing the wheel can someone tell me the proper material, vender, and proper procedure they used in stopping the leaks. The valve covers are original steel and I do have an original pair of OEM aluminum covers. I used a pair of original cork gasket from GM when I rebuilt the engine. Torqued the covers to the proper spec. The valve covers are flat and straight no dings or dents.. Thank you Droop... PS I have a feeling that leaks will be unending due to the Corvette sitting for long periods of time.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 252
I will assume you used cork because you are doing a point restoration.
I recently went through the same with leaking covers using cork so I went with aftermarket rubber for my rebuild. No more leaks. My car is a restomod so originality is not that important to me.
Install tip: Just like installing a windshield, torque the important sealing edge first to get the best seal. In the case of valve covers torque the rear bottom bolt first, the front bottom bolt second then the top bolts.
I recently went through the same with leaking covers using cork so I went with aftermarket rubber for my rebuild. No more leaks. My car is a restomod so originality is not that important to me.
Install tip: Just like installing a windshield, torque the important sealing edge first to get the best seal. In the case of valve covers torque the rear bottom bolt first, the front bottom bolt second then the top bolts.
Last edited by Dynra Rockets; Mar 2, 2017 at 10:27 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,633
From: Draper Utah
If going with the OEM aluminum covers use Fel-Pro #1628 gaskets and they will never leak again.
FWIW: Unless you are going NCRS this is a no brainer to me as I love the OEM aluminum covers.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 221
Likes: 24
From: HOMOSASSA FL
Ice, I will being using the aluminum covers. Would like to have a pair for the original steel covers also....What was the torque spec for the covers you used? Droop
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 221
Likes: 24
From: HOMOSASSA FL
I will assume you used cork because you are doing a point restoration.
I recently went through the same with leaking covers using cork so I went with aftermarket rubber for my rebuild. No more leaks. My car is a restomod so originality is not that important to me.
Install tip: Just like installing a windshield, torque the important sealing edge first to get the best seal. In the case of valve covers torque the rear bottom bolt first, the front bottom bolt second then the top bolts.
I recently went through the same with leaking covers using cork so I went with aftermarket rubber for my rebuild. No more leaks. My car is a restomod so originality is not that important to me.
Install tip: Just like installing a windshield, torque the important sealing edge first to get the best seal. In the case of valve covers torque the rear bottom bolt first, the front bottom bolt second then the top bolts.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 252
Google is your friend for that kind of info.
Last edited by Dynra Rockets; Mar 2, 2017 at 07:51 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,750
Likes: 268
From: Central Wisconsin
I use these Moroso gaskets. They are reusable. Once I put them on I never had another leak and I'm not constantly re-torquing them.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/m...make/chevrolet
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/m...make/chevrolet
Last edited by jr73; Mar 2, 2017 at 07:54 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,633
From: Draper Utah
Whatever the stock torque is, which is very light. The Fel-Pro gaskets have a crush ring so you can't over torque them. They are also reusable and require no glue or sealer. The Fel-Pro are pretty much idiot proof.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 221
Likes: 24
From: HOMOSASSA FL
Ice and JR, Thank you very much. Leak problem solved...Droop