Valve Cover Gaskets
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 871
Likes: 6
From: Orcas Island, WA
Valve Cover Gaskets
I have what I believe to be, or at least hope it to be, a leaking valve cover gasket on the 351W in my '90 F150. I'd like some advise on the best choice for a replacement.
The last time I did a valve cover gasket it leaked as bad when I was done as before I started. At that time I was advised that the problem was the cork gasket material. Hopefully things have improved in the intervening decades.
The last time I did a valve cover gasket it leaked as bad when I was done as before I started. At that time I was advised that the problem was the cork gasket material. Hopefully things have improved in the intervening decades.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
I used the Felpro cork gaskets last year to assemble my 351 after the GT40 head swap. So far, no leaks. I did use the better grade gaskets with the steel grommets in the bolt holes that limit the compression of the gasket. Also used a thin film of RTV (Permatex Ultra Blue) to make the gasket stick to the valve cover while setting them in place. The O.E. gasket is a steel gasket with a bonded O ring on both sides of the steel, that Felpro also offers and works as well.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 871
Likes: 6
From: Orcas Island, WA
Thanks for that. I like the idea of the compression stops in the gasket. So I've followed your advice and ordered the Felpro cork ones. I'll pick up a tube of Permatex as well next time I'm in town.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
This problem was solved many decades ago, go to Ford and get the original steel core/rubber coated gaskets these EFI engines came from the factory with, and you will never have another leak problem. These Ford gaskets are not expensive either.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
Felpro makes this gasket too. The newer steel covers have thicker flanges to utilize them, the older covers do not.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 871
Likes: 6
From: Orcas Island, WA
If my engine originally came with these gaskets ('90 351W EFI) and assuming that these are the same gaskets, can the valve cover bolts just be snugged up a bit or is that false economy?
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Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
$60 a pair ? Ouch !!! Then again, that's Ford for you. Some of their parts are reasonable, others are priced outta this world.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,015
Likes: 208
From: SoCal
My 87 5.0 HO came with the cork gaskets that had the steel rings around the bolt holes. It seemed like a great idea, until the car got to about 10 years old, and the cork hardened and shrunk, leaving gaps that allowed the oil to leak, profusely. I'm now using the rubber coated steel gaskets from FelPro.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Cork gaskets may not seal from day 1 so yeah the steel core rubber gaskets are worth more but I wouldn't/didn't pay $60 for them.. sounds like you got a proper stealership in your town, so price a set of steel Felpros.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Cork gaskets aren't necessarily inferior tho they do have to be coated with oil first. The material shrinks when dried out. They are nice when valve covers have to be removed routinely as part of maintenance, for valve adjustment particularly and can be reused many times without needing RTV or sealants on the cylinder head.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
OK, I looked on Summit's site. The premium Felpro cork gaskets (which are a cork/rubber composite, not cork only) which I used were $15/pair. The steel core rubber gaskets are only $21/pair. Take your pick, they're both good and neither are what I'd call expensive. The main reason I went with the cork was they're a little thicker, wanting to gain some extra clearance for the Cobra rockers I used.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
Cork gaskets aren't necessarily inferior tho they do have to be coated with oil first. The material shrinks when dried out. They are nice when valve covers have to be removed routinely as part of maintenance, for valve adjustment particularly and can be reused many times without needing RTV or sealants on the cylinder head.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 871
Likes: 6
From: Orcas Island, WA
The price, $60/set for Ford gaskets was from a discount internet site. There's no dealer here on island, and it's a day trip and a $40 trip on the ferry to get the the nearest one, so the internet is my best friend. Sounds like maybe the Felpro gaskets are the best way to go. I like the idea that they are reusable. As is the case with so many things, life is a compromise.
Thank you to everybody for your input and experiences.
Thank you to everybody for your input and experiences.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,491
Likes: 26
From: Algona,WA
FWIW I've re used my rubber Fel Pro valve cover gaskets 5 times now with no issues. I don't even take a wrench to the bolts, just get them hand tight with the socket and extension. Every time they are STUCK to the cylinder heads and I have a very hard time removing the valve covers. Never any leaks. Mine are just the rubber kind, no steel in them. But, the steel kind would be nice to have.