PWB Posted February 12, 2021 Share Posted February 12, 2021 So, I always had valve covers leak within a couple years. Aside form gopping up with two tons of sealant, whats your best method? Sealant on both sides of gaskets or one? Cork, rubber, fibrous gaskets? What type of sealant? Torque value? Thanks Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
68RIVGS Posted February 12, 2021 Share Posted February 12, 2021 (edited) Hi Mr. Paul - FelPro rubber gaskets and a silicone sealant on the valve cover side. Make sure the bolt hole surfaces are flat, and don't over torque the bolts ! Cork gaskets on the 430 always managed to weep, after time at the rear of the valve covers and oil ran down both sides of the engine. By only sealing the valve cover side, the covers can be removed, if need be, without damaging the gaskets ! Edited February 12, 2021 by 68RIVGS (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted February 12, 2021 Share Posted February 12, 2021 You might check to see that someone in the past hasn't over tightened the hold down bolts. If they did, they could have dimpled the hole. If they have been dimpled, find a piece of flat iron to use as a backer and tap the holes flat again. The covers won't seal if the holes are not flat. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
telriv Posted February 13, 2021 Share Posted February 13, 2021 What year Riv??? "Nail" or other??? 300/340/350/400/430/455??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JZRIV Posted February 13, 2021 Share Posted February 13, 2021 (edited) I always spend a lot of time insuring the surfaces are straight, flat, smooth. As Ed said they (metal covers) are always deformed around the bolt holes. I use a 1/4" drive ratchet when tightening which helps avoid over tightening. No torque wrench as I personally am more comfortable going by feel on these. You can almost feel when the metal is about to start deforming. Insure both surfaces are clean and free of old gasket or sealer remnants. I prefer the cork-rubber composition. I smear a very thin film of black RTV gasket maker on both sides of gasket with finger. Thin enough that it won't noticeably squeeze out. Leave sit for a day before starting. Felpro is certainly a well known reliable gasket but given an option, I've always choose Victor Reinz. Just seems to be a little more attention to detail in design. Of course it could be just a perception.....sort of like who makes the best pizza. 😏 Edited February 13, 2021 by JZRIV (see edit history) 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PWB Posted February 13, 2021 Author Share Posted February 13, 2021 All valve covers in general Great points Thanks all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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