Valve Covers and gaskets
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Tustin CA
Valve Covers and gaskets
So I am getting ready to put my headers in and I notice that both Valve Covers are leaking oil pretty badly from the back. The valve covers look like they have distorted over time so I am going to replace them (as far as I can tell they are the stock ones).
My question is, what valve covers and gaskets should I but so they won't leak when I put them back on? I am not looking to break the bank but I have a feeling the 20 dollar chrome valve covers probably won't cut it.
My question is, what valve covers and gaskets should I but so they won't leak when I put them back on? I am not looking to break the bank but I have a feeling the 20 dollar chrome valve covers probably won't cut it.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
The l82 finned aluminum are the best for leaks and distortion and at least are corvette.
Any alum covers won't distort with normal use.
I clean the mating surfaces with thinner, put a small bead of silicone on the gasket and then tap my finger on the silicone to even it out (like tapping your forefinger on a desktop). Then I put it on the valve cover and turn it face down and let sit overnite to dry.
Then do the silicone again and install. No extra silicone everywhere and no leaks ever.
Any alum covers won't distort with normal use.
I clean the mating surfaces with thinner, put a small bead of silicone on the gasket and then tap my finger on the silicone to even it out (like tapping your forefinger on a desktop). Then I put it on the valve cover and turn it face down and let sit overnite to dry.
Then do the silicone again and install. No extra silicone everywhere and no leaks ever.
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 81
From: Nashville, TN
I would go with a basic aluminum cover
https://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stor...1360_-1_348186
and this is the gasket I always use with no problems
https://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stor...46267_-1_25018
https://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stor...1360_-1_348186
and this is the gasket I always use with no problems
https://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stor...46267_-1_25018
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Good advise and aluminum is the best way to go. If you go cheap with the steel covers, be sure to use the tabs to extend the pressure at each bolt point.
You can make good old cork seals work decent. But as stated, there are much better ways to keep your oil inside the engine.
You can make good old cork seals work decent. But as stated, there are much better ways to keep your oil inside the engine.
