Replacing valve cover gaskets.......
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Replacing valve cover gaskets.......
I have leaks comming from both valve cover gaskets on my '86 vette. The vette only has 5600 miles on it but they still need replacing. Anyway, I have 2 GM cork gaskets for the car that I'm going to use. Do I just put them in dry or do I need to add some high temp sealant to both sides of the gasket? Thanks in advance for your help. 
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Everyone has their "pet" method. I like to "glue" them to the valve covers with gasket sealant and let the sealant cure, usually overnight. I use weight on the covers during the curing time. When it comes time to put the covers on, I make sure both the gasket and the head are absolutely clean, and oil and grease free. I have been able to R&R valve covers two years later and not have to replace the gaskets.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 0
From: St. Charles, MO Route 66 Corvette Club
I agree with the Fel Pro silicon rubber! It is more bucks up front but after you change them out (and say lots of four letter words) you will feel good that it was your last time to do this!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,550
Likes: 27
From: Minneapolis MN
I went with the Fel-Pros on my '86 ... I'm not sure if FelPro makes a rubber gasket if you have the perimiter bolt valve covers.
Removing them wasn't too bad of a job on my car, let us know if you have any questions.
Removing them wasn't too bad of a job on my car, let us know if you have any questions.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Florida
So, is the Fel-Pro a sealant of actual gaskets? As I stated above I've already bought the GM cork gaskets and I'll be using them this time. High temp seal the gaskets or not? Maybe next time I'll try the Fel-Pro gaskets. Thanks for all the help.
Last edited by proemtpff; Aug 24, 2004 at 11:45 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 88,393
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From: eville in
Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
Everyone has their "pet" method. I like to "glue" them to the valve covers with gasket sealant and let the sealant cure, usually overnight. I use weight on the covers during the curing time. When it comes time to put the covers on, I make sure both the gasket and the head are absolutely clean, and oil and grease free. I have been able to R&R valve covers two years later and not have to replace the gaskets.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
best way with core
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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Fel-pro is a gasket manufacturer, not a sealant. If you stick with the GM cork gasket, use some copper RTV sealant to reinforce them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,228
Likes: 698
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
Anyone have a good idea of how long it takes to replace the gaskets. The local vette shop told me that the drivers side alone takes an hr and a half to pull off. That right or is he pulling my leg?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 21
From: Denville NJ
I was told by a GM Tech that the cork gaskets go on dry with no sealant or adhesive at all. That's what I did and have had no leaks at all. Was I given bad advice and I was just lucky?
Last edited by Mr Mojo; Aug 25, 2004 at 07:51 PM. Reason: sig pic too large
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 1
I think for people who have had recurring "valve cover oil leaks" they tend to go with some extra sealant or glue with their gaskets.
I just used some type of orange rubber gaskets with no glue or sealant 3 years ago when the engine was rebuilt and they haven't leaked.
I guess some people rather be safe then sorry
I just used some type of orange rubber gaskets with no glue or sealant 3 years ago when the engine was rebuilt and they haven't leaked.
I guess some people rather be safe then sorry
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
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From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by CG77VETTE
I was told by a GM Tech that the cork gaskets go on dry with no sealant or adhesive at all. That's what I did and have had no leaks at all. Was I given bad advice and I was just lucky?
Joslinm,
That doesn't sound excessive. Do it yourself to find out.
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