Guys

I need to reseal my valve covers again. In the past Ive used red RTV per the service manual but I am tired of doing it over every two years or so. What is the best gasket and procedure to use on L48 steel covers.

Thanks

Ren

 

I bought a set of Fel Pro gaskets from Auto Zone a couple years ago and they are the absolute best gaskets I have ever used
They are re-usable. I have had the covers off many times and they still seal perfect, never leak a drop, no sealer required.
I don't remember the part number but they were about $25 and well worth the price.

If you want gaskets that will definitely not leak and can be used over and over then these are the ones.
Heres a pic of them if it helps

 

 

Thanks guys I will plan on getting the felpros

 

Nearly all the gaskets are good ones. A combination of cork and rubber works best as they are pliable. The trick is how they are installed. A suggestion as to how they work the best is to glue them into the valve covers with 3M weatherstripping cement with either black or yellow. One of the numbers is 08001 I believe. This stuff is dynamite as to gluing them in solid. Let them set for several minutes before attempting to install. Use wheel bearing grease to the heads and you can use them over several times. When set, they will not move if you bump a rocker or any other thing that always seems to interfere that you cant see as you set them on. Positively guaranteed to not leak if followed to the letter. I am using 30+ year old valve covers with the same gaskets in all mt toys..

The 3M stuff is also the best for other gaskets that are prone to move or bumped when installing. I think the same 3M is also the cement recommended by the aim books too. Stay away from all the silicones. There popularity is only the result of high profile marketing, not because they are any good..

 

I like the more modern rubber gaskets that have the steel insert inside them (like posted above). No messing with glue or resealing or any of that nonsense. Just put them on and torque 'em down. I've been using this type for many years and have had no problems and I'm always pulling my valve covers off and on.

 

Well I have data that will disagree with the silicone statement. Those gaskets in the picture above out lasted standard cork/rubber and rubber gaskets by hundreds of test hours. Cork blends lasted less than 50 hrs before leaking everywhere while the Perma-Torques went 300hrs before the test was stopped because of time, not leaks.

One note though, there are different styles of stock V/C's used over the years by GM and the aftermarket. The thinner steel can cause some big headaches if not addressed correctly. Before use, the rails of the cover MUST BE checked for flatness before bolting on. And the steel load spreaders supplied should be used, though they can be substitued by the chrome style instead for looks.

There is also a hiperf set available. I have these on a set of early Corvette valve covers, had to machine them flat first (they were warped and had casting flash) before I could use them on a '59 283 with no leaks with 5 years plus on them.

If your are having an issue with these take a look at the silicone or silicone and plastic carrier, if there's splitting or cracking there's a clamp load issue that need's to be addressed. I've added shims at the bolts (between gasket body and V/C) in some applications to lessen the stress on the beads when the bolts are torqued (bottom out) with great success and no leaks.

Later.

 

I found the number for the gaskets I mentioned above.
They are a little more expensive than I had originally posted but you can use them over and over and no leaks.

FEL-VS12869T

Summit has them here.

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...T&autoview=sku

 

Guys

I bought and installed the felpro VS12869T gaskets last weekend. I am having a difficult time getting the rear outside corners to seal. Ive got steel covers that look straight with load spreaders. Should I be applying RTV or some kind of sealer to get these to seal?

 

Checking my previous post on this subject you will learn how to install them without your current problem

 

NO RTV or other type sealant is required.... thats what makes these gaskets so nice.
You can use them on different sets of covers without having to worry about destroying them because they don't stick to the covers or the heads when you want to remove them.

I'm guessing that your valve covers may need to be straightened out if they are stamped steel.
And be sure not to crank down on the bolts.... use a 1/4" drive ratchet and just lightly tighten them.

I have used the same set on two different type covers.
The stock stamped covers, Edelbrock stamped covers and the Aluminum L-82 covers with no problems or leaking.

 

That's right, no sealer required.

Which load spreaders are you using, small ones from box or long chrome style? Sometimes the chrome ones need to be installed upside down. This way the flat backside is used instead of the end tabs. Plus look at the corners, sometimes it's just the way the covers were stamped.

Like in my previous post, it depends on the material thickness of the covers. GM has several thicknesses. Set the cover on a flat surface, you may see that corner up a little higher than the others.

For the cork users, thank you, you've kept shoes on my kid's feet and food on our table for many years!

Later.

 

Another vote for the FelPro Permadry gaskets discussed above. Leak-proof.

 

Autozone has a set of Fel-Pro rubber valve cover gaskets. They don't appear to be the high quality ones that Bob linked to but these might be effective as well, and you can't argue with the price.

http://www.autozone.com/selectedZip,.../selectZip.htm

Part #VS12869R $7.99 PR

 

I Used Those On My Friends Truck He Had Big Leaks From Over Torxing Them No Leaks Yet An Have Removed Several Times Greate Gaskets Felpro . An Was Ternd Off By The Looks Not Any More. Bert

 

I run a half inch aluminum spacer between two sets of Earl's rubber gaskets. Twice as many opportunities for leaks and not a drop so far.

 

you can argue with the price if they leak.....