Valve covers

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Apr 10, 2003 | 10:44 PM

BS in AZ

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Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 7

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From: Az

Valve covers

I am replacing some crappy auto zone valve covers on my 82 bronco with a set of Hollys. I have a rebuilt 351 W from a 83 bronco in it now. Is this a hard job for a someone who has never done much more than change the oil and preventive maintence stuff like that. Any advice on the easiest way to do this, and some tips that would help me out. Thanks for any input.

Apr 11, 2003 | 03:10 AM

macguyver

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Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 1,214

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From: Minneapolis, MN

Valve covers

Whatever you do, don't use RTV on the valve cover gaskets. It's just too slippery and you risk damaging the gasket or having it slide out of position. Some guys like the rubber gaskets. I'm still sold on the old cork gaskets. I stick them to the valve covers with K&W copper coat spray (light coat on both gasket and valve cover and let it set up. Acts almost like contact cement but will still clean up easily later). Then a light coat of grease on the gasket where it contacts the head to keep it from sticking.
Make sure you remove any trace of the old gaskets and don't over tighten the bolts.
Just my 2¢
Greg

Apr 11, 2003 | 08:22 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

Valve covers

I still use silicone on the valve cover side. Or some sort of glue type sealer would work too (whatever you prefer). I agree-don't use any sealer on the head side.

Make sure your valve covers have baffles where the breathers/pcv valves plug in. Or you will burn some oil.

After the install, run it for a couple of days and re-tighten the bolts with a nut driver or with one hand on the head of the ratchet. Over tightening bends the valve covers. After about a week re-tighten again and you should be good to go for awhile.

Last edited by Franklin2; Apr 11, 2003 at 08:25 PM.