When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
A quick question on the follow up thread concerning the valve covers on my 84 Corvette they come loose from vibration is it uncommon to use a thread locker or Loctite to secure these covers Hope to hear from someone soon I don’t Actually Want to apply this type of material unless it’s absolutely necessary all advice is welcome
can't say I've ever heard of VC hardware coming loose. not sure if an 84 has bolts, or studs (w/ nuts) and I assume we're talking factory stock VC's and hardware, but make sure to clean the threads, and torque to spec. MY PERSONAL OPINION AND 2-CENTS (FWIW) - don't rely on "having the feel" when torqueing VC hardware. we're talking "inch-pounds" and most important, applying even clamping pressure across the gasket and mounting surfaces. be **** and go by the book. never found it necessary on VC's, but as for locking devices or aids, I prefer blue thread locker - doesn't hurt a thing. whatever you do, make sure it's expert approved -
I personally use a rubber/steel cored Fel-Pro valve cover gasket. IMHO, cork gaskets always eventually leak and often right off the bat. Look for the steel cored gaskets that have thicker steel rings at each bolt, these limit how tight you can make the bolt and prevent over tightening/crush of the gasket, with this type of gasket you be able use lock washers without collapsing the gasket too much in an effort to collapse the lock washers. Also the rubber is actually a high heat silicone that will not dry out or leak but are reusable! Once you try these on a SBC, you'll never go back. FWIW I use a similar type gasket for the oil pan and transmission pan, they're awesome! Good luck 👍
Last edited by '78CorvetteS.A.; Oct 6, 2020 at 06:19 AM.
The valve cover gasket that you have on display he is the one I installed on the driver side of the car and that’s the one I’m having problems with I just put on some lockwashers so the next time I take it and driving around I’ll re-check to see if the bolts loosen up when you did yours did you torque the valve covers or just a plain wood you thought was The necessary pressure I haven’t done the other side yet because it is not leaking
Valve covers
