hello
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: MESQUITE TEXAS
hello
I have a 1985 vette i have changed the valve cover gaskets 2x and the one on the passenger side still keeps leaking. Could the valve cover be warped? When my vette gets hot if i turn it off and start it back up it will not idle any ideas????
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Indeed first off pull the valve covers check that they are NOT warped; if so you will need to straighten or replace them. Of course you could try and fill any dents with black RTV. For gakets I suggest the FelPro PermaDry as they have worked flawlessly on my '88.
What do you mean by "will not idle"?
Is it rough or does idle speed drop so low that it stalls out?
Does this happen if you restart with the engine not up to normal operating temp?
What is the idle speed on a cold start and on a warm start, in Park.
Have you pulled codes to see if there are any problems logged?
What do you mean by "will not idle"?
Is it rough or does idle speed drop so low that it stalls out?
Does this happen if you restart with the engine not up to normal operating temp?
What is the idle speed on a cold start and on a warm start, in Park.
Have you pulled codes to see if there are any problems logged?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: MESQUITE TEXAS
Ok if i'm i have been driving around a while, and stop turn off the car to go in a store. When i get back in my car and start it it starts right up then dies right away. The only way it will keep running is if i keep my foot on the gas. But after about 3 miles it will idle on it own again
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 1
From: It's Bad Ass in Black! Cape Coral, Florida
Have the auto parts store order the "GOOD" gaskets, not the cheap cork ones. If that does not work, start looking for new covers. I just did my 85 this summer, 67,000miles.
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 541
Likes: 2
From: Kalama WA
Originally Posted by dallasknight
Ok if i'm i have been driving around a while, and stop turn off the car to go in a store. When i get back in my car and start it it starts right up then dies right away. The only way it will keep running is if i keep my foot on the gas. But after about 3 miles it will idle on it own again
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,793
Likes: 0
From: St. Peters MO Sometimes you have to prove yourself by doing alot of killing or alot of dying...
The valve covers were a PITA on the early chevy's... but I thought the L98's got centerbolt covers. Am I wrong? 
when you replaced the gaskets, did you hit the surfaces with a wire brush? They need to be super clean in order for the new gasket to make a good seal... and I'm not implying that you are stupid, but you'd be amazed at how many people don't do this step properly.
when you replaced the gaskets, did you hit the surfaces with a wire brush? They need to be super clean in order for the new gasket to make a good seal... and I'm not implying that you are stupid, but you'd be amazed at how many people don't do this step properly.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,793
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From: St. Peters MO Sometimes you have to prove yourself by doing alot of killing or alot of dying...
Oooops... I didn't read far enough down to realize that your existing gasket broke 
I am leaving my original post so some one can set me straight on the centerbolt cover thing though...
I am leaving my original post so some one can set me straight on the centerbolt cover thing though...