Valve Cover Gaskets
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 62
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From: Fayetteville NC
Valve Cover Gaskets
Simple question...To replace the valve cover gaskets, I just remove the old ones, clean the surfaces, and put on the new ones, right? Anything else I should know?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 198
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From: Ok
Re: Valve Cover Gaskets (my1st_vette84)
Disconnect the battery so you dont arc across the hot post on the alternator. Make sure you dont leave any gasket scrap on the heads, and dont tighten them too tight. Thats it! 
Oh yea, you might have to remove some stuff on the drivers side to get the cover out. I think its the smog pump or the wiper motor cover. Which ever way you want to take it out.
[Modified by 85blkZ51, 4:44 AM 7/6/2004]
Oh yea, you might have to remove some stuff on the drivers side to get the cover out. I think its the smog pump or the wiper motor cover. Which ever way you want to take it out.[Modified by 85blkZ51, 4:44 AM 7/6/2004]
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Valve Cover Gaskets (my1st_vette84)
As said you will likely need to move/remove some accessories to get the valve covers off. I just did the job on my '88 and had to: move the alt, AIR pump, A/C compressor & brackets, injector harnesses, some vacuum tubes spark plug wires; and remove the EGR tube, brake booster vacuum pipe, PCV hose and breather hose....otherwise there's nothing to the job. 
Use FelPro valve cover gaskets dry and you should have no problems with leaks.
Use FelPro valve cover gaskets dry and you should have no problems with leaks.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 4,763
Likes: 1
From: Connectivette
Re: Valve Cover Gaskets (65Z01)
I however used red RTV in the channel area of the valve covers(where the gasket goes) to help keep the gasket adhered to the valve cover. I have popped the covers on and off nurmerous times with the gasket adhered to the covers and have had no leaks.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Ok
Re: Valve Cover Gaskets (Vett-eight-nine)
I think straight rtv would squish out,also the mating surfaces between the cover and the head are irregular, so a gasket helps provide a smooth surface to seal to. Anyway valve cover gaskets are cheap. 
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