327 Aluminum Valve Covers

[Michael G.]

I'm about to reinstall the stock finned aluminum valve covers on a 63 327 engine. I've switch this L84 to to a 327-350hp hydraulic cam, so I won't be taking the covers off to adjust the valves anymore. Historically the covers have seeped some oil around the gasket, so, since they don't need to come off any time soon, I'm looking to leakproof them as much as possible.

Does anyone have a suggestion for sealing them?

Thanks,

[Edward J.]

Re: 327 Aluminum Valve Covers

Mike, I would coat the gasket with Permatex non hardening. works great on Valve covers. It put a oil resistant barrier on the cork gaskets. keep in mind after a few hundred miles re-tighten them, Cork tends to compress and heating and cooling they tend to loose there torque. I have done my 63 gaskets a few times.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 327 Aluminum Valve Covers

The steel covers are even harder to seal, at least you have the benefit of the rigid aluminum.

[Jack H.]

Re: 327 Aluminum Valve Covers

Another option if judging is not in the future is to go with a set of high quality steel-core rubber gaskets.

[John H.]

Re: 327 Aluminum Valve Covers

Michael -

Here's what I do, and I've never had a leaker, with either steel or aluminum valve covers. The actual leak path runs oil down the inside of the outboard wall of the cover, then between the TOP of the gasket and the bottom of the cover flange - that's the area that needs attention.

Make sure cover flanges are dead flat, especially adjacent to bolt holes, and clean flanges.

Run a 3/16" to 1/4" bead of Permatex Ultra-Copper RTV all the way around the cover, centered on the flange, and locally outboard of the bolt holes.

Install your favorite gasket to the cover (I use ordinary cork or Fel-Pro "Cork-Lam" gaskets) and set the covers on the bench overnight, gasket side down.

Next day, apply a film of either motor oil or chassis grease to the head side of the gasket and install the cover, tightening the bolts with a hand driver to just past snug. After the first drive to full temperature, snug the bolts again - do NOT distort the cover flanges. You can either stop here or go one more heat/snug cycle, and you shouldn't see a single drop of oil. The grease or oil on the head side of the gasket will allow cover removal without damaging the gasket, whether you have solid lifters or not.

[Michael G.]

Re: 327 Aluminum Valve Covers

Thanks Guys. I'll give John's method a try. That installation would even pass judging, I think (this is not a judged car, but its nice to know there is a better method next time I adjust the valves on my blue car).

[John D.]

Re: 327 Aluminum Valve Covers

Trick out of an old Hot Rod magazine years ago. Hang the gaskets on a coat hangar. Spray them liberally with PAM spray from your kitchen. In old days we only had Pam Original. Install.
Great trick also for your guys that insist on using carb/fi gaskets over again. JD