valve cover gaskets

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Jan 14, 2003 | 12:41 AM

joezee

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valve cover gaskets

hi again:
I have big oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets.
I bought a set from napa and going to try to do this in the morning.
I have 2 gaskets and some sealant.

1)What's the easiest way to do this and what do i have to look out for.

My understanding is to take them off one at a time.

I'm starting with the oil filler side.

2)Is it right to place the sealant on the gasket facing the valve cover top ,then put some more gasket sealer on the heads and put on the cover and tighten down a bit?

3)Do I have to make it a big bead or small?

4)Is it necessary to clean the cover?

5)Will brake cleaner or gasoline work as a cleaner?

It's dripping big time on the back of the engine near the tranny.
I take it that it would be easier to take off the plug wires and the air cleaner so it would be easier to work on?

I would appreciate some input.
The simpler the better.

thanks all...joezee

Jan 14, 2003 | 01:33 AM

Torque1st

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valve cover gaskets

I think there is at least one big discussion on valve cover gasket replacement in the Cleveland engine forum. There is a generic one in the Garage forum also.

You will have to remove all the plug wires, air cleaner, and several hoses to do the job.

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Jan 14, 2003 | 05:37 AM

macguyver

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From: Minneapolis, MN

valve cover gaskets

Don't use silicone sealer on the gaskets unless you want them to slip out of position. The silicone sealers are meant to be used instead of a gasket. You can use almost any type of tacky gasket cement on the valve cover side, my favorite is copper coat aerosol to stick it to the valve cover and a light coat of grease to keep the gasket from baking to the head. I'm sure others have their preferences too.Don't tighten too tight. And yes, you want to get everything as clean as possible. If there is any old gasket material left you will get a leak.
Hope this helps
Greg

'77 F-250 Camper Special 400ci driver
'76 F-250 Supercab 360ci current project
'71 Mach I 429CJ in storage
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Jan 14, 2003 | 11:30 AM

KJKozak2

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From: Cleveland, WI USA

valve cover gaskets

I had some really bad leaks on my 460 valve covers after I replaced my gaskets. It turned out that the bolts were over tightened and bent the crap out of the valve cover. Once I flattened the whole thing out, all was well. No leaks since.

I also used the rubber gaskets as someone here told me those were better.

Kevin K.

Jan 14, 2003 | 04:45 PM

tetraruby

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valve cover gaskets

Spend the extra $$ and buy the all rubber gaskets, don't waste time with the cork/cork composites. Be very light with torque on the bolts.

Jan 14, 2003 | 08:03 PM

Mike W

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Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 7,157

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From: Central Kali

valve cover gaskets

Yes, buy the rubber ones, I hate scraping cork. I glue mine to the valve cover with contact cement. You will then be able to take them off and put them back on with no problems.

Jan 14, 2003 | 08:19 PM

joezee

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valve cover gaskets

hey all: thanks for the help.already bought the cork kind and silicone sealer and put on the drivers side.that was very difficult with the cruise control in the way but i finally got it on after loosening things up.that took most of the day.passenger side gets done when the weather warms up again next week.that's the easier side anyway.their were all kinds of cracks on the old seal.i swear it was bonded to the metal.the valve cover was very clean.i was surprised.thought it would be all caked up.made me feel better.thanks all.your experience is appreciated.......joezee