New Guy
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 51
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From: Keller TX
New Guy
I just bought a 73 Stingray (I will soon have some photos). This is my first Corvette and have never messed around with cars that much. The valve covers were leaking so I decided to replace the gaskets (easy enough). Pulled the old aluminum Mickey Thompson covers off, spent hours cleaning off old gaskets and proceeded to place them back with new gaskets. While I was tightening them down one cracked next to the bolt (I now know that you don't have to tighten them so much). So I went out and bought a new set of covers. Put them on with new rubber gaskets. They leak! Any suggestions? Also is anyone interested in buying the old covers for a small block?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 1
From: Sodertalje/Sweden
Re: New Guy (Blue73)
Welcome to the FORUM of all forums.The one and only 73 model vette,a very nice year:)..You should use some RTV on the underside of the gaskets,against the block.And torque them very gently.Start the engine and check for leaks,retorque if necessary.. :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: New Guy (Blue73)
Congrats on your new acquisition! And you've already started messing around, I see...
I used Permatex #2 gasket sealer when I did the rubber gasket thing. Not sure it's kosher, but it worked great! :smash:
I used Permatex #2 gasket sealer when I did the rubber gasket thing. Not sure it's kosher, but it worked great! :smash:
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 11
From: Schaumburg IL
Re: New Guy (Scott78)
Welcome and great year 73. I have always used the cork. Clean the valve cover and make sure the valve cover is flat. Then put on a coat of Permatex #2 or 3M weatherstrip adhesive on both the gasket and the valve cover, let them dry until tacky and put it together. Put a light coat of vasoline or grease on the gasket side to the head. Put a dab of Permatex or Avation Form a Gasket on each both thread and put them on. As you learned not too much torque.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 6,217
Likes: 1
From: End of the Ike IL
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Re: New Guy (Blue73)
Welcome! And as you work on your 'vette, you will find your use of short, quick and demonstrative words will increase dependent upon the results of your handiwork. Hopefully "Yes!" will dominate :jester
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 11,485
Likes: 1
From: Far side of the Moon
CI 4-5-6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-16-'17
Re: New Guy (Blue73)
I think everyone has pretty much helped with the leaky valve cover and I couldn't have said it better myself. :yesnod:
I just wanted to welcome you to the fun. :jester
The 73 is the best darn C3 they ever made. :cool: (Now that should stir some comments, so to get myself out of boiling water....) C3's are the best darn Corvettes ever made. :lol: :lol: Seriously!
Welcome... :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,052
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC, Canada
