I'm looking for a recommendation for a supplier for an aftermarket set of valve covers that are known to be of good quality.
I have a set now that leaks like a sieve on the rear of the motor (both sides), and I've tried both cork and rubber gaskets, with and without sealer. And no - I do not over torque the valve cover bolts. These just don't seem to fit very good - gaskets line up good on the head, but on the cover - not so much.
If anyone in AZ has a set of stock covers in good shape they wish to part with, I'm all ears

The valve covers will have to be baffled, and have a PCV opening on the passenger side. Obviously will need an oil fill on the driver's side.

Thanks in advance!

 

Have you tried hammer & dollying the stock VCs? Could there be an issue with your installation technique? Factory VCs fit the best in my opinion.

 

I don't have the stock valve covers any longer. Long story....
I suppose there could be a technique issue, although I did not have a problem with the stock VC's. I'm all ears.
Essentially all I'm doing is placing the gaskets in the VC, using the tabs to hold them into place, and then placing them on the heads, and lightly tightening them up.
Used the same method while using a small amount of RTV as well, which didn't have any better results.

 

i had issues on my aftermarket VC's for my 351m. they would keep slipping off inside the valve cover when i would go to tighten it. what i did what use a bit of black silicone on the mating surface of the VC and clamped the gasket to the cover very lightly and let it sit for an hour. make sure to put bolts through the holes so its 100% lined up. hope this helps!

 

Thanks for the feedback. I'll give this a try, after I get a new kind of aftermarket covers. These just don't fit well.
Speaking of RTV - what kind should I be using on the intake gasket? I think orange, but I can't recall for sure.

 

permatex ultra grey is good stuff. also can use that for the VC gasket to hold it!

 

Going back to your statement.
It's possible that your covers have been over torqued in the past and or beat on a bit.
Check the mating edge with a straight edge. If the bolt holes have been dimpled down they will never seal unless hammer and dollied back as HIO suggested or replaced by new ones.
The top end of an FE is literally flooded with oil so if the mating surface isn't straight it will leak.
You might try something like these to help spread the load.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-es72676
One more thing. Do you have factory ac?

 

FE: 1965/71 Passenger Cars & 1965/76 F100/350's use the same valve covers, but...

1965/66's are plain, while 1967/76 have Powered by Ford or 1967/68 Mercury have Powered by Mercury embossed on them.

1958/64 FE engines were only installed in cars, have rounded valve covers without any holes for smog valve/oil cap.

These engines have an oil fill tube on the passenger side, 1961/64 smog valve threads into the intake manifold.

 

Thanks. I've checked them with a straight edge and found no inconsistencies. They're brand new - I think from LMC. I've tried the spreaders listed as well - they're on the truck (or will be once I get the heads & intake back on ) and still leaked. The top, bottom, and front end seal just fine. It's the back near the firewall where I'm having the issue.

Yes - factory AC

Appreciate all the comments. Thanks

I'm looking at picking up an Edlebrock VC set.. Question about the openings though - they appear to be the same size for the fill and the PCV, which I don't think is right (at least from recalling what I currently have). Dang spendy though. Any thoughts on these?

 

Ok
Just a note, with factory Ac there are some valve covers that won't work without modification.

 

Here's the probable reason for the problemo. LMC sells the cheapest made in China repro crap!

 

That's kind of what I was leaning toward as well. Have another set on the way from Edelbrock that I hope fits the bill. If not - they're going back after what they're charging...

 

Have you ever had the intake off? As you can see, the intake makes up part of the valve cover rail. This can lead to a slight lip between the intake surface and the head surface or the new intake gasket sometime sticks up a bit. This causes the valve cover to rock. I have always tightened the bottom bolts first starting at the rear then do the tops. FE's pool oil in the rear corners and if you have a high volume pump it makes it even worse. To remedy this problem you can pull the rocker shaft out and install a restricter in the oil passage under the rocker stand. Most people just drop a holly jet in the hole as a restricter. You can google FE oil restrictor and there is lots of information on the subject including the correct size of jet, I believe it may be a #90. FE's get the top end oiled first before the crank, by adding a top end restricter you will provide the crank with better oiling, the rocker shafts don't need the amount of oil they're supplied.

 

Aluminum covers work well.

 

I like the Mickey Thompson aluminum finned valve covers myself