Valve Cover Gaskets
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Glade Spring VA
Valve Cover Gaskets
I was just wanting to get some input on Valve Cover Gasket recommendations. What is a good replacement and what do you all think about the cork gaskets. I had a set of gaskets (cork that is) installed approx 2 mths ago and they seem to be leaking already. I can really notice it when I first startup the car and as it gets warm I can smell the burning oil and notice that it has oil below the valve cover and looks to be dripping on the exhaust. The mechanic I used is no longer in business and may have done a sorry job. So your recommendations is much appreciated. Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: Euless TX
Re: Valve Cover Gaskets (corvettephreak)
:iagree: :thumbs: BTW, check the torque on your bolts, overtightening or unequal torque can cause leaks.
[Modified by 91z07, 7:01 PM 1/4/2004]
[Modified by 91z07, 7:04 PM 1/4/2004]
[Modified by 91z07, 7:01 PM 1/4/2004]
[Modified by 91z07, 7:04 PM 1/4/2004]
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,305
Likes: 240
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Re: Valve Cover Gaskets (corvettephreak)
I just pulled my covers off a few days ago. They were a soft rubber gasket and I never ever saw a leak. They look so good I'm going to reuse them. Not sure who makes them though.
:cheers:
:cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 911
Likes: 5
From: TN
Re: Valve Cover Gaskets (corvettephreak)
The more expensive Fel-Pro's are probably a better gasket, but when I put new gaskets on my 85 several years ago, I used the cork type. Used my inch pound torque wrench to tighten the valve cover bolts. When changing the oil I use my inch pounds torque wrench to check the tightness of the bolts if I notice any seepage. No significate leakage yet.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 715
Likes: 0
From: Warner Robins GA
Re: Valve Cover Gaskets (corvettephreak)
Overall I've had a lot better luck with rubber than cork.
I picked up some blue rubber Felpro gaskets for when I was painting my valve covers. When I removed the valve cover, I had an orange rubber gasket that was still in excellent shape. I ended up reusing them and have since put a thousand miles on the car with no leaks.
I picked up some blue rubber Felpro gaskets for when I was painting my valve covers. When I removed the valve cover, I had an orange rubber gasket that was still in excellent shape. I ended up reusing them and have since put a thousand miles on the car with no leaks.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,305
Likes: 240
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Re: Valve Cover Gaskets (Tourney3p0)
Overall I've had a lot better luck with rubber than cork.
I picked up some blue rubber Felpro gaskets for when I was painting my valve covers. When I removed the valve cover, I had an orange rubber gasket that was still in excellent shape. I ended up reusing them and have since put a thousand miles on the car with no leaks.
I picked up some blue rubber Felpro gaskets for when I was painting my valve covers. When I removed the valve cover, I had an orange rubber gasket that was still in excellent shape. I ended up reusing them and have since put a thousand miles on the car with no leaks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Re: Valve Cover Gaskets (AGENT 86)
The rubber ones with the thin metal band sandwiched between two layers of rubber work best for me.
I've tried the high dollar cork variety that also has a metal band but since I'm so ham-fisted I tend to make the metal band squeeze out. I now use hold downs too, to better equalize the clamping force.
Jake
I've tried the high dollar cork variety that also has a metal band but since I'm so ham-fisted I tend to make the metal band squeeze out. I now use hold downs too, to better equalize the clamping force.
Jake
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
