Just wondering if yal peen your valve cover bolt holes out?
These valve covers were bent almost a half inch in the middle.
straightened them up a ton. Some of the bolt holes were almost 1/4" protruding down.
Needless to say, they leaked like a sieve.
Yup, flat dolly and a body and fender hammer is what I use. Also get a straight edge to check all the way down not just bolt holes.
I use a railroad tie for my straight edge. Got a couple different lengths.
Do you peen those holes further than what I pictured?
I make them flat and yes check the rails as well.
I do them up just a hair, with a straight edge there will be a very slight gap if any. I have a Train rail also, tuff stuff. I also add hold down tabs trying to spread the load out.
Autozone has some.
Quote from: Cudakiller70 on December 15, 2019, 01:21:09 PM
I do them up just a hair, with a straight edge there will be a very slight gap if any. I have a Train rail also, tuff stuff. I also add hold down tabs trying to spread the load out.
Autozone has some.
these covers have them factory.
So my biggest question about the valve covers is how to seal them.
I get it, clean, clean and clean.
I've used the three rtv's over the years and they are hit or miss. Mostly when I was a pontiac guy.
Then my good friend who is a mopar guy turned me onto the gear sealant. That stuff works great. I've used it with gaskets and without gaskets and it works better without gaskets. But still will usually work great with the gaskets.
So I have a buddy, Ford guy, says to do it this way. use 3M 8001 only on the valve cover side. Install with lower side dry. His motors don't leak much. I've seen several he has built. I figured I would try it just because he's my friend and I value his opinion. If it doesn't work, I'll blame it on ford.
What do you guys use to get no leaks from valve covers.
Quote from: cuda hunter on December 15, 2019, 02:53:25 PM
So my biggest question about the valve covers is how to seal them.
I get it, clean, clean and clean
So I have a buddy, Ford guy, says to do it this way. use 3M 8001 only on the valve cover side. Install with lower side dry. His motors don't leak much. I've seen several he has built. I figured I would try it just because he's my friend and I value his opinion.
I do mine that way also. I use the same stuff just in black. I glue the gaskets to the valve cover then very very lightly snug up. Next morning I'll tighten just so they are firm. I don't use a ratchet just a thumb wheel. Most leaks are due to over tightening.
One other thing I've read here somewhere is to check that the threads are deep enough and the bolt doesn't bottom out.
Use Permatex "The right Stuff"... it works every-time !! PUt it on the cover first, and then the gasket on the cover... let it set up for an hour.. Then put another layer on the gasket bottom itself, let it set up for min or two...then put on the head and bolt her down. It will stop the leaks !!
Only drawback the stuff is expensive and i haven't had much luck, using the stuff that i didn't use the first time. So only buy the size that you need... about 3 oz will do 1 cover, or the 5 oz will do two. 5 oz is part number 29208...$19.99 at Oreillys.
The Right Stuff is a great sealant, BUT, it achieves that success by sticking like the old proverbial "doo-doo" to a blanket and you'll need leverage to get the cover off again. If your covers are going on and not coming off for 1000's of miles, go for it. It isn't cheap, but it does stick! :cheers:
Another vote for 3M Weather-strip adhesive :twothumbsup:
Quote from: anlauto on December 16, 2019, 03:32:45 AM
Another vote for 3M Weather-strip adhesive :twothumbsup:
:iagree:
I am quite surprised at the support for the 3M.
Thanks guys for all your experiences.
One thing I can say is that it was nice to remove the valve covers and have just cork gaskets and no sealant on the head itself. Cleaning the head off while in the engine bay is a pain.
Ill try right stuff some time. sounds like it would do the same job as the mopar gear sealant.
expensive, holds really well for a long time. pain in the butt to remove.
this stopped every valve cover leak and tranny leak on my Cuda. Makes gaskets swell.
Also works in power steering units. Its amazing, IMO. My local auto parts store said
it is the most stolen item in their store.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/AT-205-ATP-Re-Seal-Leak-Stopper-8oz-Pack-Of-2-2-Pack/223557505273?epid=14029889441&hash=item340d10d0f9:g:4gwAAOSwX7BdG4jS
Quote from: cudabob496 on December 19, 2019, 12:17:53 AM
this stopped every valve cover leak and tranny leak on my Cuda. Makes gaskets swell.
Also works in power steering units. Its amazing, IMO. My local auto parts store said
it is the most stolen item in their store.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/AT-205-ATP-Re-Seal-Leak-Stopper-8oz-Pack-Of-2-2-Pack/223557505273?epid=14029889441&hash=item340d10d0f9:g:4gwAAOSwX7BdG4jS
Interesting that you have used that and it has worked. Glad to know it. Looks like a decent product. I just might give it a try.
So, started the truck and let it get up to temp idling for about 20 minutes.
Leaks like a sieve. From both back corners.
Re snugged the bolts all the way around.
Used a half inch socket and barely tapped down on the rear corners of the valve covers.
I will start it again tomorrow and see if it is still leaking.
So, I either remove the valve covers again and put sealant on the lower side of the gasket. barely snug down and let sit over night. Then snug down the next day.
Or I could try the stop leak product. would have to order it and would take a few days anyway.
removed and put mopar gear sealant on as I had some sitting in the drawer.
The bottoms of every part of the gaskets were covered in oil. Not one spot didn't have oil on it.
I appreciate the suggestions and will consider them under greater detail.
Also cut back on my main crank seal leakage.
also stops power steering leakage. Just
mix at the recommened ratio.
Another vote for the "Right Stuff." I used it on my valve covers and oil pan and no leaks. It does stick well, and it's not that difficult to get the valve covers off if you need to.
Another Right Stuff vote. On valve covers for 7 years now, no leaks.