I have an 1985 4.9 and need a new valve cover gasket what is the best to put on? also anything else i need to change when i replace it?

 

Gives you the chance to inspect the valve train and make sure everything is wearing as it should. You can get a cork or rubber gasket. From what I have gathered everyone has their own choice but as long as you dont over tighten it then you should be fine either way. I am going with the cork on mine personally.

 

I recently put a really nice Fel-Pro gasket on mine. It was so pretty and so well made it almost seemed a shame to install it.

 

Fel-pro cork is all I can get here where I work at. I think im going to give the cover a good cleaning and some paint while I have it off

 

Absolutely! Even gives you to straighten out and dents or bows it may have in it from previous people abusing or over tightening.

 

to look at it you would think its never been taken off in the past but also 28 years is a long time lol

 

The Fel-Pro rubber gasket can be reused. Mine is installed without any sealant and works great! You might consider also replacing the rubber grommets for PVC valve, etc. However, these are easy to replace at any time!

 

I've had my Fel-Pro cork gasket installed on my valve cover and had it off and on the motor over half a dozen times with no issues. Once she's tightened down, she kinda molds to the shape of the cylinder head and goes right back on EXACTLY like it came off.

I'll only use Fel-Pro cork. I don't like the rubber gaskets. Too slippery for my taste.

Just put some RTV on the valve cover and slip the gasket right down over it and let it set up before you put the cover on and tighten it down.

 

Look for the obvious, when I took mine off my old engine I noticed a crooked rocker arm, 15$ later and #6 came back to life!!!

 

Installing a new valve cover gasket is pretty easy. I use FelPro gaskets. Pull the cover, clean it up, straighten the areas around the holes where the bolts have distorted the cover, and use gasket cement to stick the gasket to the cover. Put it back on (you painted it nice and pretty, right?) and tighten it down, not too tight. Done. Have an adult beverage and enjoy your work.