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Replacement Valve Cover Help

Old Oct 23, 2006 | 06:38 PM
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Default Replacement Valve Cover Help

The valve covers currently in my car are not origianl, are ugly, and leak all over... I want to get some nice Chrome ones that are not too expensive and don't leak. I am considering the following from Ecklers...

http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1232
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1213
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1232
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...&dept%5Fid=153

IS this a good combo?
Do I need anything else?
I already have the PCV Grommets and Breathers.

Also the Valve cover decription says "Dripper Rails not included". What is a dripper Rail?
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Old Oct 23, 2006 | 06:58 PM
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Originally Posted by genuine1980
I am considering the following from Ecklers...

I personally love the look of chrome, and smooth chrome to be exact, so I give your choices a healthy . I like them. With thinner covers like those be sure you don't over-tighten them as they will warp and leak. Also, the rubber gaskets you chose are a good idea and will last longer than cork versions.
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Old Oct 23, 2006 | 07:08 PM
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I put chrome v.covers on my small block and am very pleased with the look... I bought rubber ribbed gaskets for mine and love em... reusable and guaranteed not to leak.

Timbo
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Old Oct 23, 2006 | 07:10 PM
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Oh, I think dripper rails are what the oil drips off of inside the cover, onto the rockers for added lubrication. I could be wrong, so someone can feel free to chime in and or correct me on that.
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Old Oct 24, 2006 | 11:12 AM
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Thanks guys... I'm going to order these parts.
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Old Oct 24, 2006 | 12:37 PM
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I used many types of gaskets from Cork to Rubber. They all leaked. Everyone told me to place the gasket on the valve cover and bolt it to the head. No sealer needed. Two weeks go by and leaks everywhere.

I then did it my way and no leaks for two years.
When you place the gasket on the valve cover, smear casket sealer over the gasket (Thin coat) and then place it on the valve cover, leave it sit for 1/2 hour. Then smear gasket sealer on the other side of the gasket. (The part that toughes the head) Place cover on head and tighten down. No leaks when I did mine this way.


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Old Oct 24, 2006 | 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by spedaleden
I used many types of gaskets from Cork to Rubber. They all leaked. Everyone told me to place the gasket on the valve cover and bolt it to the head. No sealer needed. Two weeks go by and leaks everywhere.

I then did it my way and no leaks for two years.
When you place the gasket on the valve cover, smear casket sealer over the gasket (Thin coat) and then place it on the valve cover, leave it sit for 1/2 hour. Then smear gasket sealer on the other side of the gasket. (The part that toughes the head) Place cover on head and tighten down. No leaks when I did mine this way.


I'll give this a try... I ALWAYS have leaks too. And it leaks down to the headers... eventually making a small pool where the headers connect to the heads... and destroying the header gasket.
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Old Oct 24, 2006 | 02:36 PM
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Yeah, some high temp RTV can go a LONG way to sealing up leaky gaskets...
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Old Oct 29, 2006 | 01:57 AM
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I've got my parts...

So is the consensus here a "YES" to using RTV on the valve cover gaskets?

I've seen other posts where people say not to.

And can anyone else confirm what dripper rails are?

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