Cork or rubber?
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More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 581
Likes: 113
From: New Hampshire
Cork or rubber?
I'm sure its been discussed before but what do folks recommend for valve cover and oil pan gasket replacements- cork or rubber?
I've gone back and forth on the valve covers a few times now- and yes the flanges/bolt holes are dead nuts straight/flat and mating surfaces are surgically clean.
I've had cork ones that get oil soaked and leak and rubber ones that dry out and leak.
Typically I use FelPro products but I am open for suggestions.
Thanks in advance
Tbruz
I've gone back and forth on the valve covers a few times now- and yes the flanges/bolt holes are dead nuts straight/flat and mating surfaces are surgically clean.
I've had cork ones that get oil soaked and leak and rubber ones that dry out and leak.
Typically I use FelPro products but I am open for suggestions.
Thanks in advance
Tbruz
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,788
Likes: 2,595
From: The Shenandoah Valley
I have a couple sets of rubber with the metal core bought off Ebay. They weren't bad priced, branded as "Hot Rod Parts Supply". 3/16" thick rubber with steel core, they appear to be good gaskets ... billed as not needing sealant and as being reuseable. on steel or aluminum covers. 
I long ago used to use cork, and once I had done some work on the truck and put new cork on, and unbeknownst to me, the lower portion on driver side slipped out. I went for a drive, made it a mile or so, saw smoke coming from under hood at rear. Knew enough to leave the hood shut, and turned around and high tailed it home where I stopped next to water. Shut it off, bailed out, grabbed the hose, turned water on, popped the hood. Sudden air and it blazed up, water cooled it though. Was near a quart low when next checked, soaked the exhaust, head, etc. Was a mess, but nothing a good clean didn't erase. I searched for a sealant. Charlie sold me a white product in a tube at NAPA. It worked on some new cork gaskets for quite a few years afterwards, but last I looked I could not find it. Charlie said they didn't have it either any longer.
The metal core will prevent that scenario. I do think is time to put a set on soon, so I guess I'll see if they are any good.
I long ago used to use cork, and once I had done some work on the truck and put new cork on, and unbeknownst to me, the lower portion on driver side slipped out. I went for a drive, made it a mile or so, saw smoke coming from under hood at rear. Knew enough to leave the hood shut, and turned around and high tailed it home where I stopped next to water. Shut it off, bailed out, grabbed the hose, turned water on, popped the hood. Sudden air and it blazed up, water cooled it though. Was near a quart low when next checked, soaked the exhaust, head, etc. Was a mess, but nothing a good clean didn't erase. I searched for a sealant. Charlie sold me a white product in a tube at NAPA. It worked on some new cork gaskets for quite a few years afterwards, but last I looked I could not find it. Charlie said they didn't have it either any longer.
The metal core will prevent that scenario. I do think is time to put a set on soon, so I guess I'll see if they are any good.
Last edited by tbear853; Sep 29, 2025 at 08:15 PM. Reason: Corrected source / brand (not Fel Pro)
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 299
From: Kenner,La.
Gaskets
The original Ford 302-351 valve cover gaskets are metal coated with some kind of rubber. Whenever I have to use cork I glue the gasket to the cover or the block. I prefer the silicone ones with the metal slugs which are reusable.
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