Re: [FWDLK] Valve Cover Gaskets

[David Homstad <dhomstad@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Phoenix61,

Cork gaskets probably compress more and thus are more forgiving with uneven
covers than rubber gaskets. But cork can be fragile and prone to hardening
before use. Rubber is probably more likely to maintain its resiliency over a
longer time and provide a longer life seal.
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Check the valve cover for nicks, dents, or warping in the seal area.
Straighten as required.
2. Clean the cover, head, and gasket surfaces of all oil residue, if you
want to use a RTV sealer. Use a residue free solvent.
3. If you want to remove the cover in the future, such as to adjust valves,
I prefer to RTV the gasket to only the cover. Mount the cover before the RTV
cures.
4. If you want a permanent seal, RTV the gasket to both the cover and head.
Make sure your RTV is oil resistant. The gasket may be ruined if it is RTVed
on both sides if you ever remove the cover.
5. Over tightening will warp the cover when center studs are used, or bend
the rim when cover bolts are used at the edge. Let the gasket and sealer do
its job.

Dave Homstad
56 Dodge D500

-----Original Message-----
From: Forward Look Mopar Discussion List
[mailto:L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of phoenix61
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2002 11:55 PM
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [FWDLK] Valve Cover Gaskets

Me again, coming begging for answers.
My 61 with the 318 poly v-8 demanded valve cover gaskets because of
minor drips. These valve covers have just the two hold down bolts in the
middle of the cover ( a poor design if you ask me). Anyhow, I went to my
favorite NAPA store and all I could get were the black rubber(?)
gaskets. Needless to say they leak worse since I performed the
operation. If I remember correctly, when I was a kid, dad only used cork
gaskets on these covers. Seems to me they would seal and be more
forgiving than these black things. My question, is, can one get the
corks, should I use RTV sealer on the lip between gasket and head, or am
I doing something wrong after surgically cleaning all surfaces and
bolting down these black gaskets?
As always, thanks in advance
leaking phoenix

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Need an answer fast? Search the 17,000+ pages
of the Forward Look Mailing List archives at

http://www.forwardlook.net/search.htm

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Need an answer fast? Search the 17,000+ pages
of the Forward Look Mailing List archives at

http://www.forwardlook.net/search.htm