Small Block Best Valve Cover Gasket?

Grumpy

The Grumpy Grease Monkey mechanical engineer.
Staff member
" grumpy, I never seem to have found a decent set of valve cover gaskets,
most I've tried leak at least occasionally, any tips"

most valve cover leaks are the result of bent valve covers or improper installation,
but yeah, there are some valve cover gaskets that seem to be a bit more prone to leaks.
Id start by suggesting you don,t use the stamped tin, typically chrome valve covers,
as its absurdly easy to over tighten those and then they bend, un-even clamping pressure can cause leaks.
the thicker cork valve covers when used with a rigid cast aluminum valve cover rarely leak.
bro-vc102_w_ml.jpg

https://www.skipwhiteperformance.co...k-valve-cover-gaskets-7483-extra-thick_92808/


https://www.holley.com/products/gaskets/valve_cover_gaskets/parts/179\

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...MIleu3p4vI6gIVy8DACh1akATCEAQYAiABEgKHh_D_BwE

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-1604
I've generally suggested and use the .315-.375 inch thick composite cork/synthetic valve cover gaskets,
I glue the gasket to the valve cover but use a bit of thin grease on the lower gaskets surface where it contacts the cylinder head rim

heres an old trick, spray the suspect area with hot soapy water and grease solvent, several times then use a heat gun to dry or just let it sit in the hot sun with the hood open for an hour,you do this to remove all previous oil and grease, then once its totally dry liberally dust the area with TALCUM BABY POWDER ( DO THIS OUTSIDE NOT IN YOUR SHOP) and once done, you start the engine , get a good strong flash light and have a buddy blip the throttle a few times, any oil leak will be very obvious over the fresh talcum baby powder dust on the engine, once you found the leak,obviously repair its source then repeat the soap/solvent wash to remove the talcum powder
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-1604/make/chevrolet




read these thread links

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/finding-stopping-chevy-valve-cover-leaks/


https://www.chevyhardcore.com/tech-stories/valve-covers/


http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...fit-under-stock-valve-covers.6641/#post-52509

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...s-and-valve-cover-install-info.946/#post-1615

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...to-fit-roller-rockers-and-stud-girdles.12208/

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g2301/reviews
 
Last edited:
Back
Top