[mikeynipps71SS]

i had a leak from both of my valve covers so i changed the gaskets and they were still leaking (left side was a steady drip).. so i went out and bought a new set of valve covers and gaskets and the left side still has a small leak(only after i shut the engine off) any answers would be appreciated.
thanks mike... i put an arrow in the pic to show where the leak is comming from

[Jmark]

Hi Mike. Is it possible that the leak is from the breather dripping oil on the VC? Just a thought.

I had a real hard time getting my new covers to stop leaking. I ended up gluing the gaskets to the cover with 3M weather strip adhesive and let it set up a little. Then I used Permatex #2 on the head side. Just a small amount evenly smeared on the gasket. Buttoned it up and so far so good.

I know some use RTV but personally, from what I learned early on, its not for use with gaskets. It is soooo slick when wet that quite often it will let the gasket slide out and cause an even bigger mess. Also, on stock heads and silicone, the cover can actually push the gasket into the rounded surface and cut the gasket right down the middle. Not good. My 2 cents on that subject! LOL

Mark

[tomthecomic]

I had the same problem. Get studs about $12. Most important get a reusable gasket with a steal insert. I recomend fel-pro (blue ones) they are about $40 summit has a store brand but did not work. I like the blue fel-pro. Put the studs in put the gasket on (no sealer) and you will be fixed. I went though 4 sets of gaskets ($45) before I used studs and Fel-pro steal insert gaskets. The studs are also key it will not let you over tighten. I know it sounds expensive but it will work no might involved "It will work".

[mikeynipps71SS]

thanks. but i know that its not comming from the breather (i eye-balled it and waited and wiped and watied lol) its leaking from the left side coner right at the rounded part of the heads

[454me]

Originally Posted by tomthecomic

I had the same problem. Get studs about $12. Most important get a reusable gasket with a steal insert. I recomend fel-pro (blue ones) they are about $40 summit has a store brand but did not work. I like the blue fel-pro. Put the studs in put the gasket on (no sealer) and you will be fixed. I went though 4 sets of gaskets ($45) before I used studs and Fel-pro steal insert gaskets. The studs are also key it will not let you over tighten. I know it sounds expensive but it will work no might involved "It will work".

This will fix the problem. I went through 3 sets of gaskets. I even tried double gaskets and gaskets with rtv on them. They continued to leak. I bought the ones with the steel inserts and no more leaks. I have even removed one of them to replace a bad rocker stud and reused it. No leaks.

[jimfulco]

These can sometimes help: Mr. Gasket valve cover bolt load spreaders for SBC engines.


Part number--finish

6395--gold dichromate
6396--chrome
6397--black


Also, be sure your cover flanges are straight. Sometimes you have to beat on them some to make them straight enough to seal.

[mikeynipps71SS]

already using a gasket with a steel insert. its not a big leak anymore, but when i turn the car off after about 2mins u see it trickling down the block. AND i know this is off topic a little bit but what should the oil pressure be around...

[mikeynipps71SS]

and another thing... any reason why it only leaks when the engine is off ???

[j.d.brown.042964]

Just for extra "insurance"-the next time you have vc's off, be sure to check drain-back/return galleys on the head(s),
especially the ones at rear. Because the engine sits lower at the rear than the front, they usually get more business than the others. It's not uncommon to have a piece or chunk of one of the little cardboard or styrofoam cap seals (from a quart container of oil) get down into a return galley and partially obstruct return flow-causing oil to buildup to higher than normal level under the valvecover(s), and this in turn can contribute and/or exacerbate any leakage already being caused by poor sealing of the valvecover gaskets. Also-even though they are new- it really would be a good idea to check the flanges of the covers with a straightedge just to be sure. The "load spreaders" previously mentioned by another poster are an excellent idea as well. Good luck and let everyone know what ends up solving the problem.

[DHMag]

chrome/aftermarket valve covers are notorious for having larger flange lips than stock valve covers. this, in essence, causes the valve cover to contact the intake manifold before seating on the gasket, thus creating a leak. switch to thicker gaskets or change the valve covers.

[docvette]

Doc here,

It sounds to me like your rear oil return holes are plugged with "gunk"..pull the Covers, and "Fish" the returns with a coat hanger..OR better yet..A Gun Cleaning kit.

GET a NEW set of gaskets, SOAK them in OIL about 30 or more minutes before you install them. This will EXPAND the cork and give a better fit.

If you Don't have Spreader Bars, Get a Set of 8 and install them on the hold down handles.

This should stop your leaks..If not, your new covers are major bent..(common place problem) Return them and get a new set.

Doc

[Hippie]

Originally Posted by docvette

It sounds to me like your rear oil return holes are plugged with "gunk"..pull the Covers, and "Fish" the returns with a coat hanger..OR better yet..A Gun Cleaning kit.

If it leaks AFTER you shut it off then I'm with Doc, oil is pooling in the heads and the only way that can happen I know of is the return holes being plugged.

I'm using studs with Esna lock nuts, Mr. Gasket rubber gaskets with the metal insert and the spreader bars and have NO leaks and the gaskets were used ones that came with a set of valve covers I bought off eBay.

[dawg]

chrome valve covers are notorious for leaking.
also check your PCV to see if its not plugged cuz that will make the oil puke out of the breather.
my advice :
ditch the chrome and get some cheap diecast covers.
the ealing area holds up nice with em.

[mikeynipps71SS]

thanks for all the replys.. tom im gonna try to clean out the return bc thats what i was thinking might be the prob (well the part about the build up not the return being clogged) as for the spreaders i allways had them on and i will check to see if the covers r bent.. might take the camera and show pics.. thanks again

[FEDDO]

ck the v/c rail on the head also. might have been dropped at some point in its life.