Valve cover bolts backing out

[forestb]

Is it normal for valve cover bolts to back out? I have a set of aluminum valve covers on my SB 350. They started leaking and I was going to get a new set of fel pro cork gaskets. Before doing so on a hunch I checked to see if the bolts were loose. They were vary loose. One was so loose that I could tighten it with my fingers. They are threaded studs with nuts. I tightened them down tight but not too tight. Is this normal? I have heard of header bolts backing out but not valve cover bolts.

[AcampoDave]

Yes, it's happened to me too. Put a little Locktite on those studs or use nylocks. (The stud kit by Moroso comes with nylocks.)

[forestb]

Are there any other valve cover gasket tricks that I should know if I end up needing to replace them? It seems like in the past whenever I have tried to install them they tend to just start leaking again. It looks like the last mechanic that installed them used some gray liquid gasket to hold them to the valve covers when installing them.

[Getter-Done]

I normally glue or silicone the gasket to the valve cover.
Reason for that is , when you take the valve cover off,
Hopefully all the gasket is on the valve cover
I make sure the surface is clean on the head.
I use Starting fluid or carb cleaner to remove the oil from the surface.

I use the fastners and holddowns pictured below an have had good luck.

Hope this helps.

[geezer#99]

Might I add don’t use cork gaskets.
Find some that are rubber.
Like these.



https://www.performancebodies.com/pr...ver-gasket-set

[forestb]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Might I add don’t use cork gaskets.
Find some that are rubber.
Like these.



https://www.performancebodies.com/pr...ver-gasket-set

The reason I use the cork gasket is because I need them to be thick. The flange on the valve cover makes contact with the intake manifold if the gasket is too thin. I have tried the rubber gaskets but they are not thick enough. Thanks for the advice. I would use the rubber ones if I could.

[geezer#99]

I’ve run into that.
Used a round file to create clearance.

[AcampoDave]

I have that same problem with an Edelbrock EPS intake^^^^ I use the Permatex black on both sides after I clean up the surfaces. I know it makes the gasket a single use item but, even if the bolts back off that cover is stuck down good. I would also add to make sure your covers have a good baffle for the PCV valve and breather sockets. Many aluminum covers don't come with one so its kind of a DIY deal.

[AcampoDave]

I used to wonder....where does my oil go? It doesn't leak and the truck doesn't smoke....then I saw this tech article http://mewagner.com/?p=1221 My homemade baffle was crap (so were my valve covers)

[forestb]

That article is vary interesting. My valve covers do have baffles. One came with the valve cover and I think that the other that is on the breather side was created by a mechanic that was trying to solve the problem of oil coming out of my breather. I will have to take a look and see how those are constructed. Also in the article it mentions how if you are having oil coming out of the breather it might mean that you do not have adequate air flow in your pvc system. I wonder if that is true in my case. Especially sense I have one breather on one valve cover and one pvc valve on the other. It doesn’t seem like my engine is consuming oil but I do see a trance of oil coming out of the breather.

[geezer#99]

I once used a clear hose for the pcv valve. Just to see if any oil was being pulled through.
Only used it until it started to get soft from the heat.

You shouldn’t need a baffle on the breather side because it’s air ‘in’ and not out.

[AcampoDave]

One time a while back a group of us members did a "group buy" for a discount on those ME Wagner PCV valves. I joined in and it is a beautifully constructed piece and I do have people ask me what it is when I lift the hood. It's a bit pricey but it's pretty cool and appears to function as described. If you do a site search you can find a few past theads on it.
Edit: Geezer, clear hose is a good idea

[forestb]

I might need to look into getting one. I think I have a crank case pressure problem sense I have had problems of oil coming out of my distributor gasket and my breather. The reason a baffle was put on the breather side was to keep oil from being pushed out.

[AcampoDave]

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=787630 here is the link from when we did our group buy. It takes six people. Now, if you can 5 more you can save a few bucks

[AussieinNC]

.330 extra thick gaskets with steel core....reusable....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/25340318352...id=p5731.m3795

[Getter-Done]

Originally Posted by AussieinNC

.330 extra thick gaskets with steel core....reusable....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/25340318352...id=p5731.m3795

Yes These

I like them

[forestb]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

Yes These

I like them

So I ordered these and my plan is to check out my baffles and see if i need to change them like that article describes. After all of that I will see how it all turns out and then decide if I want to get that fancy pcv valve.

[AcampoDave]

Sounds good, let us know how it turns out.

[forestb]

So I installed those gaskets today. They have a high rubber content and are not vary pliable or form fitting. I am a little concerned but we shall see. I also increased the size and flattened out the baffles. Hopefully that will help things also. Do any of you recommend that I tighten down the bolts again after driving it?

[MySons68C20]

I always do after a few heat cycles/time. Gently snug is the torque spec on those

[forestb]

I don’t like the gaskets. They don’t fit inside the lip on my valve covers and they bulge out around the edges and they are leaking. They were too stiff to be able to stick them down to the cover before installing.

[geezer#99]

If installed right they should be leak free.
I use a light smear of black rtv and fasten the gasket to the cover and hold it in place with binder clips like in the link. Once it dries a bit I remove the clips and place the cover gasket down on a smooth surface and pile some heavy books on top to hold it down and cure overnight.
Bolt it on and you’re smiling.


https://www.123ink.ca/p-349041-n-010..._BwE#sku352331

[forestb]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

If installed right they should be leak free.
I use a light smear of black rtv and fasten the gasket to the cover and hold it in place with binder clips like in the link. Once it dries a bit I remove the clips and place the cover gasket down on a smooth surface and pile some heavy books on top to hold it down and cure overnight.
Bolt it on and you’re smiling.


https://www.123ink.ca/p-349041-n-010..._BwE#sku352331

Have you tried using these gaskets before? I was not able to get them to fit inside of the lip on my valve covers. If I did the distance between the lip of the valve cover and the bolt hole is so much smaller than the thickness of the valve gasket I would never be able to get the bolts through the gasket if I used that method.

[geezer#99]

Of course I’ve used them.
To help line them up at the bolt holes just use a short 1/4 inch nut and bolt to keep them centered.

[forestb]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Of course I’ve used them.
To help line them up at the bolt holes just use a short 1/4 inch nut and bolt to keep them centered.

I didn't used the ones that you sent the link for. I used a set that AussieinNC recommended from ebay.