Valve cover gasket

[1969 300]

I am thinking of replacing the valve cover gaskets on my 440 (one has a small leak). Should I go with cork, or the more expensive rubber ones? Does anyone know if there is a specific torque setting the bolts need to be at?

 

[1978 NYB]

I use FelPro cork gaskets. Torque is 40 inch pounds.

 

[commando1]

Extremely interesting reading here:
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/best-valve-cover-gaskets-3661.html
Shows the extent some guys go to for the ultimate seal.

 

[1978 NYB]

Interesting! LOL!!!

Even back in the day I always used FelPro gaskets and torque to 40 inch lbs. Wait a week and check them again. Never had any leak problems.

 

[bluefury361]

Interesting! LOL!!!

Even back in the day I always used FelPro gaskets and torque to 40 inch lbs. Wait a week and check them again. Never had any leak problems.

I usually pop for the rubber gaskets but the cork work well enough. 40 In lbs, (approx 20 ft lbs), either way. I glue the gasket to the valve cover and install with the head contact surface dry.

 

[1978 NYB]

I usually pop for the rubber gaskets but the cork work well enough. 40 In lbs, (approx 20 ft lbs), either way. I glue the gasket to the valve cover and install with the head contact surface dry.

I believe 20 ft lbs will twist off those 1/4 x 20 bolts.

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[TD][h=2]40 inch pounds = 3.33333333 ft pounds[/h]More about calculator.


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[commando1]

Might as well add my recipe:
Felpro cork and blue silicone.
Compress to spec. If silicone hasn't oozed out slightly by then, I did it wrong.
Overnight.
Retighten to spec.
Month later.
Retighten to spec.

 

[1978 NYB]

Blue silicone on valve cover side or both?

 

[commando1]

First, I go along all the seating edges of the valve cover and flatten it perfectly removing all the distortion and warpage, body shop style.
Then, I lay down a bead on one side of the gasket, place it into the valve cover and compress it until it's perfectly seated and the silicone is uniformly oozing out. I wipe off the excess ooze with denatured alcohol. I then lay down a tiny bead on the machined edge of the head, forming a circle around the threaded holes. I dip my finger in alcohol and spread the bead to a perfect uniform coat.
Anal extremus maximus...
I need a life.

 

[70NPORT]

Fel Pro cork gaskets....bead of rtv on both sides of gasket...install valve covers...couple twists on the torque wrench per each bolt. Let rtv cure for 24hrs, check the next day.....3 weeks later still no leaks....I'm very happy. I HATE lots of fussing over small stuff.

 

[1978 NYB]

Gary, how is that motor running with the new lifter?

 

[commando1]

....I'm very happy. I HATE lots of fussing over small stuff.

I definitely need some of your pills then. Mine ain't working.
Send to......

 

[70NPORT]

Nice and smooth, it worked quite nicely...its's been about 3 weeks or so since I did the change out, plenty of time for any problems to occur. I'm very pleased with the outcome....no more chatter, not in the slightest. I'm a happy camper.

 

[1978 NYB]

Great, I'm glad it worked out for you.

 

[70NPORT]

I definitely need some of your pills then. Mine ain't working.
Send to......

No you don't.

 

[commando1]

No you don't.

So, you want me to resort to what I used 40 years ago?

 

[70NPORT]

Great, I'm glad it worked out for you.

Thanks. I lubed everything up and then some, then crossed my fingers,lol. The cam lobes barely had any wear pattern on them whatsoever, evn the one with the damaged lifter....go figure. So, I went with the "if it ain't broke" formula since I really did not want to have to get into pulling the cam out anyways....lots of work that would be.

 

[1969 300]

Thanks for all the posts. Which rtv should I use? Also, why put silicone on both sides of the gasket?

 

[70NPORT]

So, you want me to resort to what I used 40 years ago?

Yes. seriously trust me on this call.

 

[bluefury361]

Thanks for all the posts. Which rtv should I use? Also, why put silicone on both sides of the gasket?

I like the black RTV and on the valve cover side only... I referenced the manual and the factory torque spec on valve cover bolts & nuts is 40 IN LB.