Leaking Valve Covers
Pro
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: Oneida WI
Re: Leaking Valve Covers (Akaswan)
1971 350/270 I have aluminum valve covers and used the rubber type gasket. The sales clerk at Checker Auto told me to put them on dry because using any type of sealer will cause them to shrink. I put them on dry and torqued them to specs with my Snap-On inch lb. Torqmeter wrench. No leaks. I did retorque them afterr warm up and cool down.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 272
Likes: 3
From: Marion Ia
Re: Leaking Valve Covers (Akaswan)
replace the gaskets and make sure all surfaces are clean and free of oil. If there is oil on the head or gasket it will leech the oil past the gasket and start leaking again.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Re: Leaking Valve Covers (Akaswan)
I had problems with the gaskets slipping off of the head rails. I opted for the cork gaskets that include steel reenforecment sandwiched between two cork gaskets; no more slippage and they retain their shape. I've removed them several times and still no leaks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,575
Likes: 1
From: Tuttle OK
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Re: Leaking Valve Covers (Akaswan)
one other possibility...I changed gaskets on mine several time without success...finally figured out that someone had installed some cheap valve covers that were slightly warped...new bowties and gaskets solved it...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
Re: Leaking Valve Covers (Avette4me)
one other possibility...I changed gaskets on mine several time without success...finally figured out that someone had installed some cheap valve covers that were slightly warped...new bowties and gaskets solved it...
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,679
Likes: 6
From: Charles Town WV
Re: Leaking Valve Covers (Akaswan)
I know a lot of people don't like them, but I use black rubber valve cover gaskets. I have aluminum heads and cast aluminum valve covers. I haven't had a leak yet.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 868
Likes: 2
From: Olney MD
Re: Leaking Valve Covers (Petes73)
replace the gaskets and make sure all surfaces are clean and free of oil. If there is oil on the head or gasket it will leech the oil past the gasket and start leaking again.
