Valve Cover Question

[Bill B.]

65,327/300

Do the OEM stamped steel valve covers that install on a 327/300 go on a certain way, direction or side of motor. The reason I ask is that I had my motor rebuilt and when I took the covers off to repaint and freshen up I didn't pay attention to which cover was on which head. I did notice in pictures I took during disassembly that the cover with the clips was on the right head and when I reinstalled it I put it on the left head so I could put the temp sender wire in the clips. I got the engine back from the builder and installed, fired up and all was great except either the #5 or #7 rocker is hitting the cover, not bad but definitely hitting. I am going to pull the left cover this evening and see which rocker is hitting. If it makes no difference how the covers are installed the only thing I can think of is thicker gaskets. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

Bill B.

[Joe L.]

Re: Valve Cover Question

65,327/300

Do the OEM stamped steel valve covers that install on a 327/300 go on a certain way, direction or side of motor. The reason I ask is that I had my motor rebuilt and when I took the covers off to repaint and freshen up I didn't pay attention to which cover was on which head. I did notice in pictures I took during disassembly that the cover with the clips was on the right head and when I reinstalled it I put it on the left head so I could put the temp sender wire in the clips. I got the engine back from the builder and installed, fired up and all was great except either the #5 or #7 rocker is hitting the cover, not bad but definitely hitting. I am going to pull the left cover this evening and see which rocker is hitting. If it makes no difference how the covers are installed the only thing I can think of is thicker gaskets. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

Bill B.

Bill-----

C2 valve covers were not side-specific. However, PRODUCTION valve covers often included clips for the temp sender or other purposes. SERVICE valve covers may or may not have included such clips.

[Bill B.]

Re: Valve Cover Question

Thanks Joe...I will switch sides on the covers and see if that makes any difference. If not, then I'll get the thicker gaskets and see if that provides the clearance I need. As I said, from best I can tell one rocker is just barely hitting but I won't know for sure until I remove the cover.

[Bill M.]

[Jim L.]

Re: Valve Cover Question

If a rocker arm is hitting the valve cover, it indicates that particular cover is on backwards, not that it is on the wrong side.

Turn the affected cover 180 degrees and re-install.

[Bill B.]

Re: Valve Cover Question

I just pulled both valve covers and no sign of rockers hitting the covers. I switched sides when I reinstalled and the noise is still there though it didn't seem quite as bad but that may be my imagination since I want the noise to go away. I took it for a drive and could hear the tapping a bit so I called the builder and he wants me to bring it in so he can hear it so tomorrow I'll take it to him and report back the results.

[Don H.]

Re: Valve Cover Question

The 300/327 stamped steel valve covers I've seen have a small "o" symbol stamped on the center of the top edge that indicates the top side.

[Bill B.]

Re: Valve Cover Question

The 300/327 stamped steel valve covers I've seen have a small "o" symbol stamped on the center of the top edge that indicates the top side.

Thanks for the info. Don. I didn't know that. I just checked my valve covers and both have the "O" you referenced and both are installed on the top of each head.

[Joe L.]

Re: Valve Cover Question

If a rocker arm is hitting the valve cover, it indicates that particular cover is on backwards, not that it is on the wrong side.

Turn the affected cover 180 degrees and re-install.

Jim-------



Yes, small block valve covers are not exactly symmetrical and can be installed "upside-down". For 1955-67 265/283 there was no problem as the script on the valve covers, steel or aluminum, makes correct orientation easy. For 1962-67 with aluminum valve covers and 66-67 with steel valve covers, the same applies. The exception is 1962-65 327 with steel valve covers. I've always believed that was likely the reason that these valve covers, unique to 327's and probably the most attractive steel valve covers ever installed on a small block, led such a short life. The script steel covers returned for 1966 327s.

[Bill B.]

Re: Valve Cover Question

Just a quick follow-up to this post. On further examination of the valve cover I did see where rockers were making contact with the covers. I ordered a set of Fel Pro 1604 gaskets (5/16 thickness) and all the noise ceased so I'm very relieved. Not sure if the new cam I installed which is a bit more lift is the reason but problem is solved. I appreciate the input provided.

Bill B.

[Alexander D.]

Re: Valve Cover Question

Jim-------

Yes, small block valve covers are not exactly symmetrical and can be installed "upside-down". For 1955-67 265/283 there was no problem as the script on the valve covers, steel or aluminum, makes correct orientation easy. For 1962-67 with aluminum valve covers and 66-67 with steel valve covers, the same applies. The exception is 1962-65 327 with steel valve covers. I've always believed that was likely the reason that these valve covers, unique to 327's and probably the most attractive steel valve covers ever installed on a small block, led such a short life. The script steel covers returned for 1966 327s.

Just a tiny correction - the script steel valve covers returned for '67 (not '66).