HI All!!

I have a 1969 F250 Camper Special with a good running 360 in it...but the valve covers leak. There are raised areas on both ends of the head where the valve cover attaches/seals. When the valve cover gasket fits over this raised area it leaks.

The raised area (bump) is just below the valve cover bolt holes.

I want to file that area smooth but I am not sure what function the 'bumps' have.

Is there a purpose for the raised bumps? Should I file them smooth?

Thank You!

 

The bumps are the intake gasket sitting up higher then the top of the intake and head sealing surface. When those are installed they should have been removed. Just smooth that down and it should seal up pretty good

 

I believe you are mistaken... the OP is referring to the parting line between the head and the intake manifold.

OP... add some extraining RTV to that area and let it set before exposing it to engine heat and hot oil... it'll get you by for now because the correct way to fix the height difference is to have the intake machined....

 

If you look closely at the picture it looks like the intake gasket sticking up slightly above the surface. I'm pretty sure that's what he's talking about especially since he references filing them down in his post. Its common for the gasket to stick up above the surface and need filing down.

 

Pardon me, but it sounds to me like you both are talking about the same thing

 

HIO is talking about the actual intake sitting higher then the top of the head while I was talking about the tips of the intake gaskets sticking up higher the the head and intake surfaces.

 

Oh gotcha, for some reason I had completely missed the last bit he said.

OP, either way, RTV will help

 

Appreciate the info...

I took the file to it and - yes it is the gasket between intake and head - I thought it was a parting line at first too.

The head does sit higher then the intake so RTV will be needed to get a good seal in that area.

This must have been a problem for a long time, the bottom of the engine/chassis is loaded with oil from years of leaking. (I just bought is last fall)

Thanks for the input - I needed it!!

 

Yeah a nice bead of rtv under will help seal that area. My gaskets were the same say when I got my truck. Seems some people just slap the gaskets on and don't bother to make sure all the little details are taken care of because they either don't know or don't care.

 

It will be a simple fix for a really messy problem.

My mechanic replaced the valve cover gaskets twice and it still leaked...details, details.

Thanks!!

 

I bet it was leaking with that gasket lifting the valve cover up right there! Good eye!

 

Definitely need a dab of RTV over that intake gasket. If you're using stamped valve covers then I like a thin bead of RTV underneath and on top of the valve cover gasket. A set of spreader bars doesn't hurt either. Stamped valve covers are just dang hard to seal. For choice of sealant, I like Ford's TA-31. It seals well and yet it's easier to remove than some RTV products. It's kind of expensive but worth it and can be found on Amazon or Ford dealer.


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-es72676

 

To apply the RTV - I have heard you are supposed to apply a thin coating, let it dry a little but, then put the gasket and cover on.

is that correct?
How dry is enough?

I am imagining using my finger to smooth it out - about 1/16 - 1/8" thick.

Thanks

 

I've always been taught to put the rtv on both sides of the gasket and then put the valve cover on and very lightly tighten the bolts down. Once the rtv has cured then you torque them to spec. I've always just put maybe a 1/8 inch bead.