Fel Pro Valve Cover Gasket

[Larry M.]

I just became aware of a Fel Pro VS12896AC small block valve cover gasket; I don't know if this is a relatively new product or not. I've not seen one in person; according to the spec sheet it's a thick cork. I've successfully used rubber VS12869R gaskets on all my small blocks since 1974; is there any reason to consider a VS12869AC?

Larry

[Jim L.]

Re: Fel Pro Valve Cover Gasket

I just became aware of a Fel Pro VS12896AC small block valve cover gasket; I don't know if this is a relatively new product or not. I've not seen one in person; according to the spec sheet it's a thick cork. I've successfully used rubber VS12869R gaskets on all my small blocks since 1974; is there any reason to consider a VS12869AC?

Larry

Given that it is a little thicker than normal, one reason to use these gaskets would be to lift the valve cover for PolyLok clearance.

If your engine uses the normal locking rocker arm nuts, I can't think of any advantage they would offer.

[Terry M.]

Re: Fel Pro Valve Cover Gasket

One would have to put a definition to "thick." In the 1970-72 era small block rocker cover gaskets were thicker than we have become used to in more modern times. The next step is to put a ruler to these thick gaskets and some original uncompressed cork gaskets from GM. The challenge will be to find the later.

Larry these may be just the ticket fro your LT-1. If not too expensive a purchase may be in order for research purposes.

[Larry M.]

Re: Fel Pro Valve Cover Gasket

Fel Pro's site lists the standard cork as 5/32" thick; the AC version is 7/32". Jim's clearance issue is a good reason for that difference.

Terry, our car isn't judged, so I'm not looking to match OEM. I thought perhaps there was some 'new and improved' feature on these that made them seal better (not that I have any issues with the rubber versions).

Happy New Year!

[Terry M.]

Re: Fel Pro Valve Cover Gasket

Fel Pro's site lists the standard cork as 5/32" thick; the AC version is 7/32". Jim's clearance issue is a good reason for that difference.

Terry, our car isn't judged, so I'm not looking to match OEM. I thought perhaps there was some 'new and improved' feature on these that made them seal better (not that I have any issues with the rubber versions).

Happy New Year!

One of the versions has a metal insert near the bolt holes to reduce deformation from the guys that like to over torque rocker cover bolts, but I am not sure if that is a feature of these cork gaskets. If so that would be a plus to those with tin rocker covers.

[James G.]

Re: Fel Pro Valve Cover Gasket

In the Aluminum covers I have always preferred gluing the cork gaskets in place then coat the sealing surface with a thin coating of grease so they release easily, I can't remember ever replacing a gasket after the first time.

Glue the gaskets in and then use 1/4" bolt and nut to bolt the covers together face to face to let them dry in place correctly.
100_1310.jpg

[Joe L.]

Re: Fel Pro Valve Cover Gasket

I just became aware of a Fel Pro VS12896AC small block valve cover gasket; I don't know if this is a relatively new product or not. I've not seen one in person; according to the spec sheet it's a thick cork. I've successfully used rubber VS12869R gaskets on all my small blocks since 1974; is there any reason to consider a VS12869AC?

Larry

Larry------


The VC 12896VC is simply a thicker-than-standard cork gasket. I see no significant advantage to it other than, if needed, additional internal clearance.

The valve cover gasket to use is the Fel-Pro 1604. This is a Cork-Lam gasket of 5/16" thickness with a complete steel core and rubberized cork material. This is my favorite gasket for a small block and has been so for over 40 years. They're expensive----about 30 bucks a set.

[Tim S.]

Re: Fel Pro Valve Cover Gasket

Don't use the rubber ones on the cast aluminum valve covers. You have to trim them in order to fit as they have continued to make them universal in nature. James has a good idea that he offered up there.

Happy New Year!
Tim

[Gary B.]

Re: Fel Pro Valve Cover Gasket

In the Aluminum covers I have always preferred gluing the cork gaskets in place then coat the sealing surface with a thin coating of grease so they release easily, I can't remember ever replacing a gasket after the first time.

Glue the gaskets in and then use 1/4" bolt and nut to bolt the covers together face to face to let them dry in place correctly.

James,

What specific glue do you use between the gasket and the valve cover?

Gary

[Duke W.]

Re: Fel Pro Valve Cover Gasket

For various applications, particularly rocker box, cam cover, and carburetor/throttle body gaskets, I've always used an adhesive to bond the gasket to the cover, then wipe down the side that mates to the head or manifold with silicone spray... let the carrier evaporate and install the part. The silicone film has always allowed the cover to easily come off with the gasket intact, which could usually be used again.

Grease attracts dirt and can harden/oxidize in time with heat. Silicone doesn't attract dirt and is, chemically, very stable.

Duke

[Leif A.]

Re: Fel Pro Valve Cover Gasket

James,

What specific glue do you use between the gasket and the valve cover?

Gary

Gary,
My personal favorite...

[Terry M.]

Re: Fel Pro Valve Cover Gasket

In my opinion, there is only one way to install valve cover gaskets. The gasket adhesive I use is 3M Weatherstrip Adhesive. Comes in yellow or black. I always called the yellow version "yellow death" because it sticks to everything. So does the black. Anyway, I place a continuous bead around the valve cover surface...be sure to place the bead completely around each bolt hole. Then place your gasket and begin to move it around to get it centered on your bolt holes and appropriately placed on the gasket surface. The adhesive is beginning to take a set so the gasket will generally stay where you put it. Take a small screw driver, place it in each bolt hole and turn it quickly then pull it out. It will pull the excess adhesive out with it. Pull the adhesive off the screw driver each time, rolling it between your thumb and forefinger to form a small ball. It may stick to your fingers a bit but as you continue to work with it, it will take shape. Clean each bolt hole several times until the screw driver no longer attracts any adhesive. Go around the valve cover pressing the gasket down firmly with your thumbs which will squeeze out some excess adhesive in a series of little dots or globs. Now comes the magic. Take the little ball you formed and start dabbing it onto the dots/globs of excess adhesive. The ball of adhesive grabs onto the little globs and pulls them cleanly away from the valve cover and gasket. Keep doing the "dabbing" until the excess is gone to your liking. This process reminds me of when I was a kid. Used to fill my mouth with bubble gum and then blow bubbles. The more gum, the bigger the bubble. Only one problem...when the bubble bursts you have sticky gum all over your face. To remove the gum we simply dabbed the wad of gum onto the bubble skin on our face and it pulled it cleanly off. Then, chew, blow another bubble and repeat. Anyway, after you have dabbed off the excess adhesive to your liking, bolt the valve covers to your heads and snug them down. Let the adhesive cure and you're done. Don't use any gasket sealer or adhesive on the head side of the gasket. This process has worked well for me over the years, regardless of the valve cover...cast aluminum or stamped steel. Whenever your remove the valve covers (later) make sure to wipe excess oil from each mating surface before replacing.

[Joe L.]

Re: Fel Pro Valve Cover Gasket

Don't use the rubber ones on the cast aluminum valve covers. You have to trim them in order to fit as they have continued to make them universal in nature. James has a good idea that he offered up there.

Happy New Year!
Tim

Tim------


The Fel Pro 1604 I mentioned is a " 4 hole" gasket and requires no tr imming .

[James G.]

Re: Fel Pro Valve Cover Gasket

I use the brown felpro cement which smells terrible, anyone in NAPA should know what it is.
I don't use silicone on anything.