aftermarket valve covers

by dhw3971 Wed May 09, 2012 9:37 pm

Hello all:

Curious if you all can offer opinions on this: I took my '75 Chevelle wagon to the mechanic today to get a diagnosis on several items, one of which was some oil leaking from the valve covers. I had a backyard mechanic friend install some used chrome Edelbrock covers about 1.5 years ago. My (real certified) mechanic says aftermarket valve covers don't seal as well as the factory covers (which I no longer have). Has this been the case for anyone else? What methods have you used to seal chrome valve covers? Mr. Mechanic says a bead of RTV sealant on the cover followed by the gasket might work. I'd rather keep the current covers and not have to buy new ones.

Dave W

by pila Wed May 09, 2012 11:30 pm

For a few reasons, the chromed covers never seem to seal good. I have a set around here, that came on my Malibu, that leaked, on the original engine. Couldn't even give them away....
People have mentioned that sanding the chrome off of the gasket area helped with the leaks (?)

by JB2wheeler Wed May 09, 2012 11:59 pm

I have the chrome Edelbrock valve covers and dont like the looks of them. I like the polished aluminum look more for valve covers. I have a bad leak somewhere, but have not had a chance to check it out. I have a feeling that Royal Purple Synthetic oil will get by anything. JB

by Sinister Thu May 10, 2012 1:51 am

Valve covers usually aren't the problem...it's the gaskets.
Use a quality gasket and torque them correctly,and you should be good.
They are not under high pressure..need about 10-12 ft pounds torque.
You can always use a slight more torque IF they leak,but once over torqued and the gasket is crushed,there is no going back.

by ant7377 Thu May 10, 2012 7:24 am

Tighten the bolts diagonally too not side to side. Gets them clamped more evenly.

by Joe73 Thu May 10, 2012 11:00 am

I agree, torque them correctly. You can always snug them up a bit more. Also get good quality gaskets. My next time I'll be trying the ones with the built in metal sleeves to stop overtightening. They have that type for the oil pan as well.