The valve cover is still leaking--tighten the bolts some more!

[Mike E.]

From a 71 LS5 valve cover. The cover is similarly distorted. (On the bottom holes, of course--that's where the oil runs out from.)
Alternate title: This don't need no new gasket!

valve cover bolt retainers (1).jpgvalve cover bolt retainers (2).jpg

[Richard G.]

Re: The valve cover is still leaking--tighten the bolts some more!

I'm assuming its all sarcasm!
But the joke was on the customers. Japanese had to teach us how to keep a motor from leaking.
I have used GM solution with good success. The 4" long spring steel retainers, one used to get from the Gm dealers.
I don't know the part number but they worked about as well as possible, with the original configuration.

The aftermarket provide what looked like the same part but they were made from the same steel the factory one you pictured.
I never was able to find a pair that worked except the Gm solution.
I would take the point hit on the retainers and get them back on cleanliness!
Rick

[James G.]

Re: The valve cover is still leaking--tighten the bolts some more!

I know mike understands, however for the benfit of others -
Make sure you tap the rail back flat with a dolly and a body hammer - same with oil pan and auto trans pans. - they are pulled down at the bolts, tap back and then don't over tighten.
I like cork gaskets - tighten til it touches then about 1/4 - 1/2 turn - if you use a nut driver, it's much easier to get the "feel".

[Loren L.]

Re: The valve cover is still leaking--tighten the bolts some more!

Your favorite hammer - washer upside down on the flat surface of a vise - 3 strokes - install "upside down" and tighten. Kneel and give Thanks.

[Mark E.]

Re: The valve cover is still leaking--tighten the bolts some more!

BB valve covers are just too flimsy. I wish they were cast aluminum a la small blocks.

[Joe L.]

Re: The valve cover is still leaking--tighten the bolts some more!

I'm assuming its all sarcasm!
But the joke was on the customers. Japanese had to teach us how to keep a motor from leaking.
I have used GM solution with good success. The 4" long spring steel retainers, one used to get from the Gm dealers.
I don't know the part number but they worked about as well as possible, with the original configuration.

The aftermarket provide what looked like the same part but they were made from the same steel the factory one you pictured.
I never was able to find a pair that worked except the Gm solution.
I would take the point hit on the retainers and get them back on cleanliness!
Rick

Rick------


The GM reinforcements you describe were originally used on some Corvair engines. The "flat 6" configuration of those engines made them very prone to valve cover leakage. The GM reinforcements are long-since discontinued. However, similar reinforcements are available as manufactured by Fel Pro, their number ES 72676. However, due to valve cover configuration, I don't think any of these will work very well on a big block.

I think the reason that the stock retainers bow is that they are just mild, non-hardened steel although I can't say I've ever checked one for hardening.

My solution which works only fairly well:

1) flatten valve cover rails at bolt holes;

2) flatten reinforcements;

3) use gaskets Fel-Pro 1604 (small block), 1630 (big block)

4) torque bolts to 60 lb/inches

[Joe R.]

Re: The valve cover is still leaking--tighten the bolts some more!

Mike,

That's why God invented Silicone Sealant!

JR

[Patrick B.]

Re: The valve cover is still leaking--tighten the bolts some more!

I have been using the GM Corvair reinforcements on my big blocks for many years and they fit fine. If the Felpro parts are a copy of the Corvair parts they will fix your problem.

[Paul D.]

Re: The valve cover is still leaking--tighten the bolts some more!

I didn't realize that the valve cover reinforcement bars were simply a reissue of a older Corvair part. In the early 80's, I believe, GM offered a kit to help with oil leaks on SB valve covers. It consisted of 8 spreader bars, as we called them, 8 studs, and 8 nuts to be used with the new design gaskets. The gaskets were darker in color due to a higher rubber content I believe and they had small, metal inserts to help prevent overtightening. The same bars were available chrome plated through the performance parts arm. They were in the old Power Books.

[Paul D.]

Re: The valve cover is still leaking--tighten the bolts some more!

I have been using the GM Corvair reinforcements on my big blocks for many years and they fit fine. If the Felpro parts are a copy of the Corvair parts they will fix your problem.

The parts I referenced must be a little different than the Corvair parts. They were straight and I don't think would fit in the recessed area of a BB valve cover where the bolt is.

[Joe L.]

Re: The valve cover is still leaking--tighten the bolts some more!

I didn't realize that the valve cover reinforcement bars were simply a reissue of a older Corvair part. In the early 80's, I believe, GM offered a kit to help with oil leaks on SB valve covers. It consisted of 8 spreader bars, as we called them, 8 studs, and 8 nuts to be used with the new design gaskets. The gaskets were darker in color due to a higher rubber content I believe and they had small, metal inserts to help prevent overtightening. The same bars were available chrome plated through the performance parts arm. They were in the old Power Books.

Paul------


The chromed version of the Corvair style retainers are still available from GM under GM #14044820.

A non-chromed version is available under GM #14082321. However, this version does not have the same end configuration as the original Corvair part. It is "flat" across its entire length. However, this might actually be better for sealing purposes as it provides pressure across the full length of the retainer rather than just at the center and ends.

[Patrick B.]

Re: The valve cover is still leaking--tighten the bolts some more!

Here are some pictures of the GM reinforcements. The first 2 pictures are their use on a 1967 valve cover and the last picture is their use on a 1971 valve cover. The studs and washer nuts are also GM pieces probably out of an old Power Book. They only fit the two center positions on the bottom of the valve cover. These reinforcement are not flat but have two contact points near their ends, precluding their use at the outer hole positions of the valve covers. Aftermarket flat reinforcements could probably be cut to work on the outer positions. The studs are useful in positioning the new style rubber valve cover gaskets.

[Cecil L.]

Re: The valve cover is still leaking--tighten the bolts some more!

The sealing surface on the rim of the head is a rough casting. Have it machined flat and it should seal much better.

[Paul D.]

Re: The valve cover is still leaking--tighten the bolts some more!

I stand corrected! Those are exactly the parts I was speaking of. In theory, they worked like a spring and flattened out when properly tightened.

[William F.]

Re: The valve cover is still leaking--tighten the bolts some more!

Though they are darker color than stock, SB valve cover gaskets from Mr. Gasket work well.