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leaking valve covers

bp71k5

bp71k5

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So I'd tracked down some of my leaking oil to a valve cover. I'm not sure what happened, but when I took it off, the gasket surface isn't very flat at all. The flange has all kinds of dents and waves which I guess it why it's not sealing very well. Is this normal wear-n-tear or can the flange be strightened out easily?

I found some new chrome ones for $50, so I'm wondering if it's just easier to get new ones.
 
The flanges are fairly easy to get somewhat straight, but it's not normal wear and tear, except around the bolt holes where they tend to bend a bit.

I'd say stay away from chrome, most of the aftermarket covers (so I've heard) that aren't high dollar are even thinner than the factory ones.
 
the cast aluminum ones generally dont bend, but good luck finding a set for less than $100:eek1:
 
So did the ones from Summit work ok? The rest of my motor looks like an oil field so chrome wasn't my first choice anyway. I like the look of that one better. If it's a quality part, I'll go that way.

The covers I have on there now don't have any markings on them so I'm not sure if they're stock or not. I do know my motor isn't original. The numbers say it's a replacement motor from 1967 for a chevelle or nova, or something like that. (327)
 
bp71k5 said:
So did the ones from Summit work ok? The rest of my motor looks like an oil field so chrome wasn't my first choice anyway. I like the look of that one better. If it's a quality part, I'll go that way.

The covers I have on there now don't have any markings on them so I'm not sure if they're stock or not. I do know my motor isn't original. The numbers say it's a replacement motor from 1967 for a chevelle or nova, or something like that. (327)
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Have thus far... definitely thicker than the stamped sheet crap that came on mine (GM crate motor.) Mind you, I've not put a great many miles on it (just moving it round the yard :haha: ) 'cuz there are other projects ahead of it :eek:

-- A
 
The flange has all kinds of dents and waves which I guess it why it's not sealing very well. Is this normal wear-n-tear or can the flange be strightened out easily?
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sounds like someone (not saying it was you, ha) cranked the bolts down too tight and the little metal holddowns pressed too hard into the flange. using thicker, softer gaskets can make up for some of that, but that's just a bandaid.
 
I like the stock ones , but I like to use extra long hold downs like the chrome ones , better overall clamping force . I also like to tack the gasket to the cover first before I put it on .

And no matter what I use , if its not a stud and ploylock , its gonna loosen up . I have to tighten mine up once in awhile when I tighten my exhaust up . Its become a ritual .
 
sounds like someone (not saying it was you, ha) cranked the bolts down too tight and the little metal holddowns pressed too hard into the flange
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Yea, that's definately one of the problems, but there are other dents on the end near the back of the motor where no screws are. This has been the first time I've touched the motor since I've had it for over a year. (except adding more oil!)
 
So I got the cast aluminum covers and they look like they will work better.

I've heard using RTV on the gaskets is bad. So far the most consistant advice is to not use anything on the rubber gasket, except maybe a little motor oil like you do on the oil filter. Any thoughts?
 
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