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06-12-2006, 09:32 AM
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#1 |
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Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Eastern Nebraska
Posts: 613
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Cast valve covers?
The crate 350 is running, but the drivers side valve cover is leaking oil like a champ. I have the fel-pro rubber / steel gaskets, but I'm thinking I tweaked the factory valve cover when installing (tried to pound out the kink...). Tried cranking them down a little more, but that didn't work.
(how the heck do I calculate 45 in/lbs on my torque wrench???) Are cast valve covers better at retaining shape, and stopping leaks?
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'72 Chevy K-20 Crate 350, SM465, 4.10's |
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06-12-2006, 09:38 AM
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#2 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 17
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Re: Cast valve covers?
Sounds like you have identified the problem (bent valve cover). yes cast covers do retain their shape better, but overtighten them and they crack instead of bend. you probably can't calculate 45 in/lbs with a foot lb. wrench. that 45 in. = 4 ft/lbs. you will need an inch lb. wrench
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06-12-2006, 10:03 AM
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#3 |
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Eufaula, OK
Posts: 103
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Re: Cast valve covers?
I use a 7/16 nut driver, I can normally get them plenty tight without bending the cover. If I do use a ratchet I use a 1/4" drive and go a turn past snug. With a 3/8 drive ratchet I always overtighten them.
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Clif '68 C/10 LWB, 327, TH400, 12 bolt |
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06-12-2006, 10:24 AM
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#4 |
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Cantankerous Geezer
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bel Aire, KS
Posts: 6,264
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Re: Cast valve covers?
Cast covers are better for holding their shape. On the stamped covers, start by making sure the flanges are straight and flat. If they aren't, they will leak, period. You can also buy some spreaders for the bolts, they help. Whatever you do, don't over-tighten them. The nut driver trick does work, but you can still bend the flange.
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Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine. 
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06-15-2006, 11:28 PM
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#5 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Eastern Nebraska
Posts: 613
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Re: Cast valve covers?
Thanks. I'll probably end up getting new covers. Might try steel again (cheaper). I'll have to get another torque wrench. I tend to over-tighten things a bit.
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'72 Chevy K-20 Crate 350, SM465, 4.10's |
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06-15-2006, 11:33 PM
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#6 |
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Account Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: ** THE FALL GUY **CHICAGO IL
Posts: 5,883
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Re: Cast valve covers?
try these gm good wrench extra heavy steel with stock baffels. and i used the stock spreaders
Last edited by rage'nrat638; 07-12-2007 at 07:03 AM. |
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06-15-2006, 11:36 PM
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#7 |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Shreveport LA
Posts: 3,170
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Re: Cast valve covers?
VALVE COVER HOLD DOWNS (mr. gasket) AKA "Load Spreaders"
6395 gold iridite 6396 chrome 6397 black |
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06-16-2006, 12:20 AM
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#8 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Terrell, TX
Posts: 1,967
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Re: Cast valve covers?
For one, you never should torque done valve covers. Best results come from installing studs, then using RTV on both sides of the gasket by putting it on the bottom of the gaskets, putting them on then using RTV on the valve cover lips, then installing them. You tighten only until tight. It's more of a resitance feel. If you go past just tight, you've created a leak.
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Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps. |
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06-16-2006, 10:32 AM
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#9 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Eastern Nebraska
Posts: 613
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Re: Cast valve covers?
Quote:
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'72 Chevy K-20 Crate 350, SM465, 4.10's |
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