Valve cover gaskets

[Large Arbor]

I am running a Shelby Aluminum Block with Edelbrock Heads and about to change valve cover gaskets. Any recommendations on materials to use? I am lenaing towards cork with some version of permatex on both sides of the gasket. The valve covers have very few bolts holding them down. Recommendations much appreciated.

Phil

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Large Arbor

I am running a Shelby Aluminum Block with Edelbrock Heads and about to change valve cover gaskets. Any recommendations on materials to use? I am lenaing towards cork with some version of permatex on both sides of the gasket. The valve covers have very few bolts holding them down. Recommendations much appreciated.

Phil

You'll get some differing opinions on this, but I've had very good luck with the rubber FE valve cover gaskets that I bond on the valve cover side using the 3m WeatherStripping goo. Then I put a finger bead of Open Gear grease between the rubber gaskets and the head. Torque the bolts down to about 7 Ft/lbs. and it all seals pretty well.

[philminotti]

I use cork gaskets from DSC Motorsports. They have a couple of thicknesses (or they did back when I got them). The thick ones are handy for clearance over aftermarket rockers. I glued then to the VC using 3M weather-stripping adhesive and use just plain 'ol wheel bearing grease on the head side. I've had them on and off lots and no leaks.

[1795]

I use cork gaskets and just bond them to the valve cover. Have not tried the grease on the head side, but am going to try it when I readjust my valve lash. I do not think that you want to use gasket sealer on both sides, unless you see not need to adjust valve lash. Even without grease I have not had significant problems with oil leaking.

[lippy]

I use the Fel-Pro rubber gaskets, and attach them to the valve covers using Permatex Hi-Tack. Nothing on the other side of the gasket. Makes it super easy to remove and install without the gaskets creeping or changing position. No leaks whatsoever.

[streetrod1927]

Victor Reinz gaskets

[Large Arbor]

I think I found one of my oil leaks.

Phil

[Large Arbor]

And another...

[DanEC]

That would do it. Can't tell what kind of valve covers those are - looks like they may not have a flange with openings to lock the tabs in with. I guess with those you will have to use a good adhesive to glue them down with and let them dry.

[Large Arbor]

They say they are Corteco. They have had some major shrinkage. Here is the drivers side.

Phil

[Large Arbor]

I think the bigger issue is the cork seems to have shrunk. I used a RTV and am letting them dry for 1 hour. I will then put them back on an leave it be for a few days. Tighten them snuggly and then re-tighten in a couple of days.

Phil

[Dirty Harry]

I use Permatex RTV-a thin coat on the gasket and a thin coat on the valve cover. Let them "tack up" for 10 minutes or so, then apply the gasket to the valve cover. I use a dozen or so spring-style clothespins to hold them in place overnight. So far, so good.

[1795]

Phil,

Are you using the same brand of valve cover gasket, or did you switch brands or composition?

[Mongoose930]

Hi Phil,

Here is an old post but this is what I did with my engine and it worked great:

Valve cover sealing

I purchased the 5/16 thick cork gaskets from DSC and used the Right Stuff to attach them to each valve cover. I then bolted the valve covers to each other (with the gaskets sandwiched between them) overnight to keep alignment and compression on the gaskets while the Right Stuff set. The next day I used a light coat of grease between the cork and head and never had a leak.

[Large Arbor]

I went to an Edelbrock gasket and used RTV to hold it to the valve cover. I let it dry for an hour and then put them on and will let them set for a few days. I did not put anything between the cover and the head. I will try it this way and if it does not work, then I will try something else. The engine builder apparently used cork. I was just surprised they pulled away / shrunck so much. Either way it should be much better.

Phil