VALVE gasket
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 413
From: WV
You have a 86 Vette, so you could have either center bolt or perimeter bolt valve covers depending on if its a steel head or aluminum head motor..The best gaskets I have found to use are the Felpro blue rubber gaskets on the center bolt valve covers, and don't tighten them down to much or it will warp them and they will leak... I use to have a Camaro with " perimeter bolt valve covers", and the only gaskets I could get that wouldn't leak were cork, and I had to use a sealent on them....
..WW
..WW
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 84
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From: Fort Bragg NC
You have a 86 Vette, so you could have either center bolt or perimeter bolt valve covers depending on if its a steel head or aluminum head motor..The best gaskets I have found to use are the Felpro blue rubber gaskets on the center bolt valve covers, and don't tighten them down to much or it will warp them and they will leak... I use to have a Camaro with " perimeter bolt valve covers", and the only gaskets I could get that wouldn't leak were cork, and I had to use a sealent on them......WW
..WW
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 413
From: WV
I have perimeter bolts and the gasket I replaced was cork but I went with Felpro rubber for the replacement. I torqued the bolts down to spec so I am not sure what I could have done wrong besides maybe too much sealant and also I didn't cross tighten the bolts. I didn't know about that till after...
Last edited by WW7; Dec 15, 2013 at 09:30 PM.
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Joined: May 2013
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From: Fort Bragg NC
If your going to use the rubber gaskets don't use any sealant on them.. What Im saying about not tightening them to much, is that rubber is differnt then the cork gaskets, on the rubber gaskets just take the bolts down until they start to compress the gasket, then give it about another 1/4 turn...The nice thing about rubber is if they leak with 1/4 turn, you can always tighten it more later on...Getting the surfaces clean is very important so take your time with this. Brake cleaner in a spray can, or even just alcohol is good to clean the surfaces with ......WW
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
There are raised ridges in the corners of the gasket surface of the head that will hold the gasket in place. Just lay the gasket on the head and then place the valve cover on top of the gasket.
The Fel-Pro PermaDryPlus gaskets have metal inserts in them that keep you from compressing the gaskets too much.
The Fel-Pro gaskets have an area at the top that has something like "pushrod side" molded into them that HAS to go on the top. They will leak if you put them on with that label on the bottom.
My iron-headed '86 has studs for the valve covers, so they also hold the gasket in place while the cover is installed.
The Fel-Pro PermaDryPlus gaskets have metal inserts in them that keep you from compressing the gaskets too much.
The Fel-Pro gaskets have an area at the top that has something like "pushrod side" molded into them that HAS to go on the top. They will leak if you put them on with that label on the bottom.
My iron-headed '86 has studs for the valve covers, so they also hold the gasket in place while the cover is installed.
Last edited by Cliff Harris; Dec 16, 2013 at 01:55 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 154
Likes: 1
From: Hamilton Ontario
I did mine last month. I also have an 85 with perimeter bolts on them. I tried cork first but leaked even worse. then I completely removed any old build up on the covers using paint stripper. I then used RTV silicone only and it works awesome. I did however over torque one of the perimeter bolts and broke it off. Lucky for me I got it out and replaced all of them with new bolts.
I wish i read the forum first as I would have found out they did not use a gasket on our year at the factory. just RTV
I wish i read the forum first as I would have found out they did not use a gasket on our year at the factory. just RTV
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Joined: May 2013
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From: Fort Bragg NC
I did read in the manual that you can just go with RTV only...but...I just don't know if I like the sound of that. But then again, what do I know... I will definitely look into it though. I am gonna go rubber/no RTV first and if the problem persists then no gasket it is. I ordered the felpro permadry this time around and I am going to use rubbing alcohol to clean the surfaces. I got a price quote on the job from a couple mechanics and whoa...it was crazy. I could do it a hundred times and it would still be cheaper...
Last edited by sburnison; Dec 16, 2013 at 07:52 PM.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 84
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From: Fort Bragg NC
I just wanted to say thank you all! I went back to the shop and loosened up the bolts with the engine warm and then cross tightened, (this time) down to spec, double checked the spec and super dry cleaned the area. Didn't see a drop of oil what so ever after start-up and after driving it was still dry. All I have to do now is take care of the EGR crossover tub and temp switch and she is all good to go. I am going back home on leave for the holidays for a couple weeks and the 'vette will be stowed away. I just wanted to say Happy Holidays to everyone and thanks for all much needed help.