What is the best brand of rocker cover gaskets to use to get a good leak proof fit on steel covers. I am not concerned with correct gaskets, just want to stop the leak.
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Re: Rocker Cover Gaskets
Ask your auto parts retailer/distributor for Fel-Pro's 'Gasket Installation Tips' phamphlet. It describes in detail the 3-4 different series of gaskets they supply for various engine rebuild functions (including valve covers). Some of their high end gaskets are pre-formed rubber with integral 'stops' that make it impossible to over-tighten, designed to be reused (GREAT for a solid lifter engine where you need to periodically re-adjust the valves).
BUT, even ordinary cork gaskets should seal properly IF you've done due diligence and installed them correctly. Due diligence includes getting the bottom lips of stamped steel valve covers TRUE again. Correct installation includes thoroughly cleaning the mating surfaces of the cover and head and applying a good quality sealer on the valve cover to thwart oil migrating over the top of the gasket and leaking out of the valve cover bolt holes.... -
Re: Rocker Cover Gaskets
I've used everything from Fel-Pro Cork-Lams to the good old plain-jane parts store cork gaskets, and have never had a leaker; if the flanges are dead flat for their entire length (especially around the bolt holes) and the gaskets are adhered to the (squeaky-clean) covers with a bead of RTV (I use Permatex Ultra-Copper) and you don't over-torque the bolts, you'll have no leaks, even with repeated removal for valve-lashing. The condition of the flanges is more important than the brand of gaskets.Comment
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Re: Rocker Cover Gaskets
John and Don-----
Yes, I agree. On my small block I've always used the Fel-Pro Cork Lam, but other gaskets will seal as well if they're properly installed. Aluminum small block covers do not need any "straigtening", though, and you don't want to do any "pounding" on them. The steel variety, small block and big block, do get distorted very easily and must be straigtened if they're to seal.
One very common problem with small block gaskets relates to the portion of the gasket that overlies the heat crossover passage in the cylinder heads. This area of the gasket gets very hot and is the first part of the gasket to fail. Just about any gasket material will fail over time in this area. Fortunately, this area is on the top of the gaskets and in the center. While it may contribute to oil leakage on the intake manifold, it usually doesn't cause "drip down". It's something to keep your eye on, though.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Rocker Cover Gaskets
I buy fel-pro Cork but what many people don't know is that they sell a thin or thick cork gasket for the 6banger and V8. Using the thin one it's easy to over tighten the screws , where the thicker one is better ( and was original). If your a C1 guy some of the older gaskets also have the retainer plate rubber seals to keep the oil from running up the four screws( and was original). Also when you order a fan belt where the three pulleys are wider , like FI vetts! also ask for the thicker wider fan belt that will fit the groves , instead of using the regular thin belts (and was original).Comment
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