Leaky valve Cover and Trans Cover Frustration

[onebig76k5]

What is the correct way to keep the Valve Covers and Transmission cover from leaking. I give up?? I have purchased what I thought was some of the best gaskets from Mr Gasket and still have leaks. I also have aluminum covers for both so I shouldn't have any uneven surfaces. Obviously I'm doing something wrong. Any help is appreciated.

 

[sweetk30]

most i can say and stress is dry dry dry on all parts when asembled. no oil of anykind on them or sealent. or it will be a path to let oil out.

and just cause its aluminum or chrome dosnt mean its flat. check it first.

 

[apache]

I never use valve cover gaskets anymore on anything with tin covers. I use a sparing and neatly placed bead of RTV on spotlessly cleaned surfaces and allowed to dry overnight. Anywhere a gasket is used I do not use silicone as IMO its so damn slippery the gasket once snugged up will squeeze out like a greased pig and cause leaks. regarding the auminum covers,diff,VC`s etc..personally there up there with the worst Ive ever used as far as a good milled or cast surface goes.

 

[cybrfire]

Take the heads off of the block and have a machine shop mill the seal surface down a smidge. Gives you a nice flat surface for sealing rather than the rounded cast edge that's so qualified to spit the gasket out.

Outside of the long route, what they said.

 

[jtrapani]

make sure your oil pressure isn't too high.

 

[bigbadchev84]

Do you have a bellhousing gasket?

 

[toomany]

Are the covers cast aluminum or stamped? If they're cast you shouldn't have much of a problem. Stamped on the other hand...I've seen some that flex real easily.

How tight are you tightening the bolts? The valve covers only need a couple in-lbs. The trans pan shouldn't be much more than that either.

 

[onebig76k5]

Hey thanks for the help. I purchased a set of $7 felpro rubber valve cover gastkets at Autozone to today, cleaned all surfaces with alcohol and tighted down snug. No leaks yet. BTW, the heads are Edelbrock E Street Aluminum and the valve covers are Edelbrock Aluminum. We shall see What happens. I Hate Leaks they're such pain.

I will tackle the Tranny next. If the trick is a clean surface then I should be good.