new gasket/valve cover & correct torque, but leaks

[LaGrasta]

I have a leak in the middle of my valve cover on the dizzy side of the engine. I added a few extra ft.lbs. across that side in hopes of solving this problem, but no better. Do I have to use sealant? I was hoping not to do that since the cover and gasket a both brand new.

 

[Falcon62]

You shouldn't have to use sealant. Was the VC flange flat before you installed it? Are you using cork or rubber gaskets? I prefer cork and "glue" it to the valve cover only.

 

[FastRonald]

8) I agree completely! If you used a rubber gasket, send it for a garbage truck ride. Cork is the way to go. Rubber gaskets "squirm" wneh you tighten the cover, etc.

 

[BIGREDRASA]

You might try using sealant between the gasket and valve cover.
Think of a roof or umbrella. Oil doesn't flow upward to get between the gasket and head. You aren't really trying to seal in fluid under pressure, just trying to keep oil from oozing out. Excess torque will only deform the sheet metal cover and lead to more leaking. Glue a good gasket onto the cover after you make sure the cover flange is straight.

 

[Anonymous]

Here's another method just for grins. First always make sure both mating surfaces are clean & dry, repair any deformation of the valve cover, run masking tape along the inside of the valve cover to form a dam. Plug the bolt holes with pencils or dowels or whatever you have. Now run a bead of silicone (I use the red oil resistant permatex for this application) in the form you've created, wait 15-20 minutes & presto, you created your own gasket.

 

[65coupei6]

I on the other hand like rubber gaskets because I can reuse them. If you use a rubber gasket use a sealant and let the gasket sit for a little while on the valve cover. After about 15 mins or so put on the valve cover.

 

[CobraSix]

Are you using a chrome valve cover? These sometimes have problems with proper fit. I tried both rubber and cork on my old chrome valve cover, and it never stopped leaking, no matter what. I went back to my old orange one, and never had a leak with my rubber gasket.

Slade

 

[LaGrasta]

I am using a brand new chrome valve cover. It looked flat when I installed it. I also used a cork gasket. I think I'll remove it, flatten the cover if need be and glue the gasket to the cover and retorque. I'll let you know what happens. Thanks.

CobraSix, I'm going to first examine that area where it's leaking. Mabye I can file down any edges that are extending too much or possibly causing the leak.

 

[rbohm]

8) everytime i use cork gaskets i get leaks. i have never had a rubber gasket leak though. like some of the others said make sure the gasket surface on the v/c is flat. also make sure the gasket surface on the head is in good condition as well.