|
09-10-2006, 05:51 PM
|
#1 |
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: St robert Mo
Posts: 2,001
|
valve cover leak
My drivers side valve cover started leaking worse this weekend (steel) Got new gaskets cork with steel insert. Installed still leaking out of rear corner. I thought maybe I am tightining to tight tryed looser leaked worse then I tightened more, less leak but rear corner still leaks pretty good. The PO silconed the gaskets to the valve covers pretty good (he knew something I am guessing). Do you guys think aluminum covers will solve this problem? (was going this route anyway will just have to speed it up. Also what type of gasket is best with aluminum covers rubber or cork? What are the chances the head mounting surface is bad?
Anyone have any luck with the aluminum ones on ebay?
__________________
1968 c10 lowered 3" 4" 355/Th400 built by Hatfield racing in joplin MO |
|
|
|
09-10-2006, 06:01 PM
|
#2 |
|
Outlandish Trends - FL
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Orlando
Posts: 1,396
|
Re: valve cover leak
I had this same problem with a set of aftermarket chrome valve covers, using Felpro rubber gaskets. Tried, tried, and tried again and finally I got the leak fixed. I put a new gasket in, and used a bunch of gasket adhesive and I eventually got it to seal good. It was a total PITA though.
__________________
-Bret 67 short-fleet sold! |
|
|
|
|
09-10-2006, 06:20 PM
|
#3 |
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: St robert Mo
Posts: 2,001
|
Re: valve cover leak
Was it a steel chrome one? I think I am leaning towards aluminum ones to be done with it.
__________________
1968 c10 lowered 3" 4" 355/Th400 built by Hatfield racing in joplin MO |
|
|
|
|
09-10-2006, 06:24 PM
|
#4 |
|
Outlandish Trends - FL
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Orlando
Posts: 1,396
|
Re: valve cover leak
yeah, just the cheapy stamped steel chromies. I'd also like to go aluminum eventually, but I've been spending my money on other parts of the truck first. They're going to have to take a number and wait in line.
__________________
-Bret 67 short-fleet sold! |
|
|
|
|
09-10-2006, 07:09 PM
|
#5 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 3,728
|
Re: valve cover leak
I have the same problem on the passenger side. I have the cheap chrome Edelbrock ones. I would like to get some nice aluminum ones like the Mickey Thompson ones I had on my old truck. Those never leaked.
|
|
|
|
|
09-10-2006, 08:35 PM
|
#6 |
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Kelso,Wa
Posts: 3,637
|
Re: valve cover leak
I had a set of aluminum on a car I used to have & never had a leak problem at all.
|
|
|
|
|
09-10-2006, 09:07 PM
|
#7 |
|
Senior Member
 Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 985
|
Re: valve cover leak
ebay has aluminum valve covers up all the time. they're fairly cheap and it soves the problem for the most part.
|
|
|
|
|
09-11-2006, 09:03 AM
|
#8 |
|
67-72 Addict!
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: The TAX State!
Posts: 7,856
|
Re: valve cover leak
The aluminum ones have nice thick flanges. I use felpro rubber gaskets and they work well for about $13.
__________________
Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads |
|
|
|
|
09-11-2006, 09:53 PM
|
#9 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Shreveport LA
Posts: 3,170
|
Re: valve cover leak
Try some valve cover hold downs (load spreaders) like Mr.Gasket sells. And be sure the flanges are flat and straight.
6395 gold iridite 6396 chrome 6397 black Last edited by jimfulco; 09-11-2006 at 09:54 PM. |
|
|
|
|
09-11-2006, 10:00 PM
|
#10 |
|
Account Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: ** THE FALL GUY **CHICAGO IL
Posts: 5,883
|
Re: valve cover leak
i like the GM stamped valve covers twice as thick as stock..look good too.
using studs (holddowns)on the bottom of the heads..and load spreaders 
Last edited by rage'nrat638; 07-12-2007 at 07:02 AM. |
|
|
|
|
09-11-2006, 11:06 PM
|
#11 |
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: St robert Mo
Posts: 2,001
|
Re: valve cover leak
One question also what is the recommended torque? I know not to tight but I never know how tight so what is the official ft lbs?
__________________
1968 c10 lowered 3" 4" 355/Th400 built by Hatfield racing in joplin MO |
|
|
|
|
09-12-2006, 09:42 AM
|
#12 |
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: St robert Mo
Posts: 2,001
|
Re: valve cover leak
I went ahead and ordered some aluminum ones. Since the flanges are so thick I should not need spreaders on the aluminum ones will I? Also they will be much harder to warp right?
__________________
1968 c10 lowered 3" 4" 355/Th400 built by Hatfield racing in joplin MO |
|
|
|
|
09-12-2006, 09:54 AM
|
#13 |
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: St robert Mo
Posts: 2,001
|
Re: valve cover leak
One other question the gaskets have like a flat side and a side with a indention in the middle like. I am guessing the flat side goes to covers and the indented side on the heads.
__________________
1968 c10 lowered 3" 4" 355/Th400 built by Hatfield racing in joplin MO |
|
|
|
 |
| Bookmarks |
|
|
Linear Mode
