Repeditive valve cover leaks
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 48
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From: Bellflower California
Repeditive valve cover leaks
L98 Iron Head, Im on my third set of valve cover gaskets in 18 months, is this common? There is'nt much of a lip on the low side of the head, is there a trick to prevent this reoccurring leak? :mad
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: Repeditive valve cover leaks (JCascia)
Although it is not required on an '86, applying a bead of RTV sealant around the seating surface might help. The torque setting is 60 - 90 inch lbs.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,099
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From: PITTSBURGH PA
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: Repeditive valve cover leaks (Oldman)
buy a good quality gasket like a felpro cork with sandwiched steel a little pricey but will not leak :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 1
From: prescott AZ
Re: Repeditive valve cover leaks (CORKVETTE1)
I had the same problem on my 85 and fixed the problem by selling the car : ) Just kidding - I did bring it to Chevy 2 times and 2 other independent garages but it still leaked. I used the best FelPros at like $34 a set and nothing worked until I tried it myself. I used a oil resistant black RVT that I bought at Auto Zone. Secret was to clean both surfaces VERY well with brake cleaner. I put a light bead on both surfaces (and worked the RVT into the metal) and was careful not to upset the bead when I put the covers back on. It was nice to see a dry head after years of leaking. Hardest part was taking all the parts out of the way to get the covers off. I also bolted the covers on very lightly and waited 24 hours before I tightened it SLIGHTLY more.
You might have the same problem I had. The castings on the heads was very rounded and uneven, from the factory. This was an early 85 with OD on the console, good luck!
You might have the same problem I had. The castings on the heads was very rounded and uneven, from the factory. This was an early 85 with OD on the console, good luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,167
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From: What did the 5 fingers say to the face? SLAP!!
Re: Repeditive valve cover leaks (skeet)
I used a bead of black RTV on the valve cover side only. By leaving the head side dry, I can remove the covers easily if I need to. So far no leaks. Make sure gasket surfaces are SPOTLESS
