C3 VALVE COVER GASKETS

[Robert E.]

Fellow Members,

I need to replace a leaky valve cover gasket on my '71 small block. My local GM dealer told me they no longer carry this item. I spoke to a local NAPA outlet. He said it would have come originally with a rubber gasket, is this true?

Robert
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[John H.]

Re: C3 VALVE COVER GASKETS

Nope - came with plain ordinary cork gaskets - any auto parts store or speed shop should have lots of them to choose from - very common item.

[Robert E.]

Re: C3 VALVE COVER GASKETS

Thanks John, I thought so. Better to be safe and ask, then sorry later after making a wrong choice.

Robert
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[Joe L.]

Re: C3 VALVE COVER GASKETS

Robert------

GM dealers can still get the cork valve cover gaskets for small blocks. They're GM #3933964. However, these gaskets have the "dual holes" on one side of the gasket (so that they fit both 55-59 and 60+ style cylinder heads). Most of those you can get in auto parts stores are like this, too. I don't like the "dual hole" style gaskets, especially for engines with aluminum valve covers. For these, you have to slightly trim away one of the "holes" and that leaves the gasket very thin in that area.

The original PRODUCTION gaskets were not the "dual hole" type; the "dual hole" were SERVICE-only, although you can't really tell the difference when they're mounted on the engine. Where can you get the "single hole" type? Why, Dr. Rebuild, of course-----The King of Cork!

[Robert E.]

Re: C3 VALVE COVER GASKETS

Joe, and all others who took the time to answer my question. Thanks for taking the time to responding to my post. As you might guess, I'm very new to the NCRS and think you guys are tops!!!!!

I check this discussion board about 50 times a day. I'm learning so much from you guys. I want to extend my sincerest thanks to you all.

Keep up the great work,

Robert Eisner
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