Valve Cover Gaskets?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,218
Likes: 117
From: San Antonio Texas
Valve Cover Gaskets?
I got some nice chrome valve cover hold down bolts for Christmas, and was thinking about taking a look at the condition of things under the covers when I changed them. Are the valve cover gaskets usually reusable or are they always a "replace after removal" item on C4's. Mine is '96 LT4.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: Lubbock for now, headed for Oklahoma
I got some nice chrome valve cover hold down bolts for Christmas, and was thinking about taking a look at the condition of things under the covers when I changed them. Are the valve cover gaskets usually reusable or are they always a "replace after removal" item on C4's. Mine is '96 LT4.
After that many years, I would have a set on hand for sure. Just don't over torque them putting them back on.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 10
From: Apple Valley MN
They're rubber (or something like rubber), so should be able to re-use them if you like. But if you're going to take the covers off, I'd replace the gaskets - they're not that expensive at NAPA. The new set should also include rubber donuts that your bolts go through.
And ditto on making sure to torque them properly. Just before I bought my LT4, the dealer discovered the rocker recall hadn't been done, and I think they over-torqued mine, causing a leak, so I replaced them later.
And ditto on making sure to torque them properly. Just before I bought my LT4, the dealer discovered the rocker recall hadn't been done, and I think they over-torqued mine, causing a leak, so I replaced them later.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: Lubbock for now, headed for Oklahoma
They're rubber (or something like rubber), so should be able to re-use them if you like. But if you're going to take the covers off, I'd replace the gaskets - they're not that expensive at NAPA. The new set should also include rubber donuts that your bolts go through.
And ditto on making sure to torque them properly. Just before I bought my LT4, the dealer discovered the rocker recall hadn't been done, and I think they over-torqued mine, causing a leak, so I replaced them later.
And ditto on making sure to torque them properly. Just before I bought my LT4, the dealer discovered the rocker recall hadn't been done, and I think they over-torqued mine, causing a leak, so I replaced them later.
Rocker recall?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,218
Likes: 117
From: San Antonio Texas
Mine had the history of the rocker recall taken care of. I guess since the hold down bolts have gaskets on them as well, I better spring for a set. My luck, I'll get a gusher if I don't.
Thanks for the quick replies.
Thanks for the quick replies.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 10
From: Apple Valley MN
The LT4 had a recall on the rockers quite some years ago:
http://www.hashmarks.com/techtips/rockerarmrecall.htm
http://www.hashmarks.com/techtips/rockerarmrecall.htm
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 53
From: Philadelphia Pa
I have a question on replacing the valve cover gaskets on an 87. I had my 87 in for some other work and since I had a small leak coming from the valve covers, I decided to have my mechanic do them as well. Figured quick, easy repair. It's cold here, so tough to do that repair outside until spring. Anyway I stop by and he asks "do I really want to do them...his rate/time book calls for 6.5 hours of time to replace them"! WTF, is it really that hard to just put in new gaskets? He said he confirmed the time with two other guys. I said I'll wait for spring.
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 53
From: Philadelphia Pa
Thanks. I've known this mechanic for 20 years and worked with him for 3. He's as good and honest as you can get. Treats me extremely well. I won't let anyone else work on my Vetts. Like I said, even he was surprised at the time. I'll let him know what you said.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,171
Likes: 1
From: Warwick RI
I have a question on replacing the valve cover gaskets on an 87. I had my 87 in for some other work and since I had a small leak coming from the valve covers, I decided to have my mechanic do them as well. Figured quick, easy repair. It's cold here, so tough to do that repair outside until spring. Anyway I stop by and he asks "do I really want to do them...his rate/time book calls for 6.5 hours of time to replace them"! WTF, is it really that hard to just put in new gaskets? He said he confirmed the time with two other guys. I said I'll wait for spring.
No it is not hard but there is some crap in the way so it takes time. Chances are he was looking at head replacement though by mistake.
Do them yourself in the spring
Last edited by Iroc57; Dec 28, 2008 at 10:13 AM. Reason: missed something
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,939
Likes: 1
From: Vero Beach Florida
The dirvers side is the worst of the sides I usually remove the alternator and air pump bracket rather then try fighting to get them to side under the wiper motor passenger side is easy once EGR tube is off of coarse I have a L98. I would say 1 1/2 -2 hrs. about right
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 7
From: Chewelah Wa
Before you install your chrome covers, you might want to grind (scratch up) the chrome where the gasket seals on the covers for better adhesion, and I don't use a gasket, I use a sealant called "right stuff" that you can buy at Napa, it's a black caulk-like substance that virtually guarantees against leaks....it works wonderful. I hate valve cover leaks.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
I just bought cork gaskets for my redo. They are about 3/8" thick so I thought they would be pretty good. I saw the post about the rubber ones and I have never seen them before. Who makes them? Thanks!
