Valve cover gaskets

[Jack O.]

Hi,
I have a '69 427/435. What's the best type of valve cover gasket to use as far as remaining leak free? I do not have solid lifters so will not be removing them on a regular basis so I'm looking for the best type to remain leak free. I used the Fel-Pro rubber and they seem to allow small amounts of oil after a year or so. Didin't know whether a different material, e.g. cork/rubber, cork, would stay sealed longer.
Thanks,
Jack

[Joe L.]

Re: Valve cover gaskets

Hi,
I have a '69 427/435. What's the best type of valve cover gasket to use as far as remaining leak free? I do not have solid lifters so will not be removing them on a regular basis so I'm looking for the best type to remain leak free. I used the Fel-Pro rubber and they seem to allow small amounts of oil after a year or so. Didin't know whether a different material, e.g. cork/rubber, cork, would stay sealed longer.
Thanks,
Jack

Jack-----


My choice is Fel-Pro Cork Lam #1630.

By the way, if you have a 1969 L-71, it does have solid lifters unless the cam and lifters have been changed. In that case, it's really no longer and L-71, per se.

[John F.]

Re: Valve cover gaskets

I don't have a big block, but on my 327 I just bought cork gaskets from O'Reilly's and they work just fine. You need to tighten them a bit after a couple of runs when the engine warms up. Do Not over-tighten unless you want to learn how to use an easy-out.

[Larry M.]

Re: Valve cover gaskets

Hi,
I have a '69 427/435. What's the best type of valve cover gasket to use as far as remaining leak free? I do not have solid lifters so will not be removing them on a regular basis so I'm looking for the best type to remain leak free. I used the Fel-Pro rubber and they seem to allow small amounts of oil after a year or so. Didin't know whether a different material, e.g. cork/rubber, cork, would stay sealed longer.
Thanks,
Jack

Jack:

Dr Rebuild has some excellent gaskets. One is a cork blend and the other is composition. Part numbers #3386165 (cork blend) and #3386365 (composition) for 65-74 big blocks. I have used the cork blend for years with excellent results. Cost about $15/pair.

Use a good gasket sealer between the gasket and valve cover. Let it dry/setup a few hours or overnight before installing. Then use a little Vaseline or white grease between the gasket and head for easier removal later.

Larry

[Joe T.]

Re: Valve cover gaskets

Hi Jack:
Cork will dry out over time if the engine is dormant for extended periods. The will dry and shrink and thus leak a little. MOST OF THE TIME, once the engine has been run enough to "hydrate" the cork, the leak(s) will stop or diminish, at least in my experience. If you've got to get under the valve covers, you should ALWAYS replace the cork gaskets. That is not necessarily the case with the rubber. I don't know why a good rubber gasket would leak from just lying around?
Good-luck...Joe