[Jag Daddy]

OK I went out tonight and started to examine my cast valve covers to try and find out why they won't seal.

It appears the castings are not level at the bottom. In fact I can get a decent amount of rocking out of them on a flat surface. Are these a lost cause? I don't know IF I can get enough torque on them to make them sit right. Any ideas?

Regards
Mark

[lluciano77]

You can try and tap them out with a hammer. Find something with a straight 90o angle that you can set the cover on.

[DV8]

If you turn them upside down they would probably make a good planter for flowers. Unless there is some sentimental resaon you want to use them spend the $$$$ and avoid the mess on your driveway and the smelly smoke. Then sit back and enjoy your flowers

[TurboS10]

I think you are going to have a hard time straightening cast valve covers. Depending on the thickness and material, you might get lucky. My bet is that they will crack somewhere when you start pounding on them. Of course.....what do you have to loose?

Chris

[1BAD80]

Try using Fel-Pro's#1604 3/8" thick gaskets.
It allows for more surface changes on seal surface.
Works great for the valve covers that hit the intake when torqued down. Gasket-cinch on the cover side with good fasteners that hold the torque like a locknut should be used.
George

[Jag Daddy]

Try using Fel-Pro's#1604 3/8" thick gaskets.

Called on those last night, at 40 bucks a set I'm wondering if they'll do the trick? I'll have to measure the amount of warp, it appears to be end to end not side to side. If the warp is greater that 3/8 of an inch then the main problem might be crushing the center part of the gasket while the ends are still not sealed. I wish chevy used more bolts of there valve covers. I never had this problem with my Mopar stuff.

BTW what is recommended torque for cast covers anyway?

Regards
Mark

[chianesi]

You could probably save time and money by just gettin new valve covers. You can probably find a set for the same prices as the before mentioned gaskets. EBAY is a great place to shop

[lluciano77]

Get some aluminum valves covers. They have thicker gasket surfaces.

[exodus8-2]

you could run a bead of sealer around the valve cover before you put the covers on if your really attatched to them. If not just get some new stamped ones.

[M&M CUSTOM]

Check the amount of warpage and where it would be most productive to try and remove material to correct the problem.

A trip to a local machine shop and a few minutes on a surface grinder (the machine that looks like a huge upside-down belt sander with guards around the belt to keep things from flying off) shouldn't cost a lot.

[Frisco]

Originally posted by Jag Daddy
Called on those last night, at 40 bucks a set I'm wondering if they'll do the trick

Jeg's has them for $27.99 part #375-1604
Summit has them for $27.95 Part # FPP-1604

Here is a link on torque specs.

Torque Specs

Notice the different values for the grade of the bolts and whether they are dry or oiled.

I use "spreader bars" on SBC valve covers with the Fel Pro gaskets and do not actually torque them. I use a 1/4 drive socket and 'snug' the 1/4-20 grade 5 bolts up. I then check them occasionally and snug them again if required.

I believe the suggested torque for the valve cover bolts is 8-10 ft.lb.