About to install my valve covers, some thick rubber type gaskets that came in a gasket kit (for centerbolts).

Laying them on the head they are about 1/4-1/2" too narrow. I tried just stretching it out and putting the valve cover on, with no luck.

Is there a trick to these? Are they not the right gasket?

I need to know ASAP so I can get some valve covers on this thing and park it so I can sleep :D
Matt

Flip your valve covers upside down. Put a small dab of RTV in each corner and one in the middle of each long side. Stretch the gasket and hold it in place with your fingers for about 1 minute. The RTV should get tacky enough (if it isn't a super humid day) enough to hold it in place while you install them. :)

Thanks Scorp :)

Humidity? Whats that :confused:
;)

Going to go try it out!
Matt

I have a suggestion:

If available, use cork gaskets. I personally think they seal much better. Flip the valve cover upside down, and use 3M weatherstrip adhesive (aka gorilla snot) to glue them on. While its still tacky, set the covers gasket-side down onto the garage floor, put some books on them, and let 'em sit for several hours.

Once dry, use a light coat of vaseline on the exposed cork gaskets, and install. You can remove and replace the valve covers without ever needing to replace the gaskets, and you don't ever have to worry about overtightening the bolts and "squirting" a rubber gasket out. It's an old hot-rodder trick I learned about 20 years ago. Works every time. :cool:

My permaseal Felpro's required a teensy bit of stretching, less than 1/8". I stuck them on the valve covers first. If your trying to make up a 1/2", I'd recommend going back to the store.... the trouble of pulling the valve covers again isn't worth it.

My felpro's needed to be stretched a good inch or so. Once I have them on the covers with a couple dabs of RTV I can take them on and off as many times as I want so far. :)