Valve Cover leaks? Still?

[@PeckerwoodKustoms]

Good vid Jonny...the only thing I could add would be maybe make the hold downs a little flatter like the rocker cover for a more even hold...what you have done HAS to be an improvement

[@JonnyMopar]

It’s definitely better. Not full proof. It was fine for the test drive in the video. The one after the video was made, it still leaked but not as bad. Not sure what I’m gonna try next Aaron.

[@danielscott6787]

I see 2 problems right away. #1 those aluminum valve covers bolts have been over tightened and bent the the rail. That's why your "helper" brackets don't sit flush! #2 Go with a traditional cork valve cover gasket instead of what your using now.

[@JonnyMopar]

Yeah, they’re used. I did try to Bend them back to flat. Twice. Hmm. Cork huh?

[@TargaWheels]

The brand that it's recommended for doesn't really matter. So long as you can make it work. That's old school hot rodding. I usually tighten it until the bolt stops, so you'll have pressure at the bolt as well as the two arms. Usually I would use t-handles instead of bolts, so at a glance I can see if the t-handle is unscrewing (line them up parallel with the valve cover). Last resort is silicone both sides of the gasket. Not pretty but it works as a last resort.

[@JonnyMopar]

Yeah, been trying to avoid the silicone just so I can take em off and put ‘em back on but it may come to that. Went on a drive after the video was made and yep, still getting some oil leak.

[@seanfattireguythomas2994]

Valve covers give me fits on these big blocks except on my 300 it’s got aluminum Indy heads it’s always been good

[@JonnyMopar]

Some day I will have Indy heads.

[@amounifnd]

Cork is the way to go with adhesive on the valve cover side only. Any type of rubber gasket fails eventually, flat or recessed. They are poor under vibration and low torque. The new cork has rubber impregnated and so much better.

[@JonnyMopar]

I’ve gotta try it out.

[@warrenstephens9640]

I put those just in the center on my smallblock, zero leaks. Are you still anodized on the inside mounting surface ? I took mine completely off with 80 grit, and they're torqued down a little more than finger tight ✌

[@JonnyMopar]

Yup, still anodized. Not a bad idea.

[@mooosestang]

it's those valve covers. buy some quality aluminum ones with a fat flange that won't deform when you tighten it down. I'm doing that now on my ford.

[@JonnyMopar]

I know. They ended up leaking again so I went with some steel chrome ones that are a thicker gauge. You’re right but I want to have them on the engine cause they look so good. I might try again and just silicone the crap out of them. Lol.

[@mmb1487]

I only use cork gaskins and i never have problems cor with a little sealent

[@JonnyMopar]

Yeah, it works. I usually don’t use cork because they’re a pain to clean off you change them but if you don’t ever need to change them they probably work the best with sealant. After I did that video mine ended up leaking again. lol. The valve covers are just too thin and flimsy. Maybe cork is next.

[@cartersgarage392]

I have a new set of the Mopar Performance cast valve covers that will not stop leaking..so frustrating.

[@JonnyMopar]

On those, I’ve bought the Mopar thick composite gasket and siliconed each side before installing. I feel your frustration. The Moroso’s started leaking again so I swapped to the Mopar steel version of the Moroso valve covers.

[@keithhebert9334]

Yep that was one of Chevys better ideas them there big Block Mopar valve cover gaskets are the hardest ones to seal everything's got to be right I never use those cork gaskets I always use the solid rubber but they're just so hard to find anymore cork is just a waste of time and oil cuz I used to be all Chevy guy and back in the early '80s I got a Mopar and I learned that lesson a long time ago and it's better to use that yellow gasket sealer or cement whatever silicone just takes a cork gasket and turns it into mush

[@JonnyMopar]

Oh wow. I wish I kept the gasket that was on that side. It used to not leak. Gees.

[@Anthony-ue4zm]

get some spray adhesive let it tack up then glue the gasket to the cover only. Shouldnt move after that then just install it

[@JonnyMopar]

Thanks for the tip Anthony. I was thinking about doing that but with the black silicone. I think it might be the way to go.

[@Anthony-ue4zm]

Also what I have noticed was Rubber gaskets always ended up leaking much quicker than Cork. I think the rubber Hardens when the car is sitting and causes Ieaks. I went back to thick Fel Pro Cork gaskets and hasnt had a drop of oil leak!@@JonnyMopar

[@moparnut6286]

Cool that's what they were for no matter if they were used in Chevy's bellybutton engines... As in every body has one!..... As the LS GM motor stole the deep skirt design from mopar big blocks!! Automotive espionage continues!!!😂😁😎👍

[@JonnyMopar]

Lol