Dave in VA
"5th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 622

Age: 74
Loc: SW Virginia, USA
Reg: 03-11-18
|
02-10-24 12:08 PM - Post#2866775
I'm replacing the valve cover gasket on my 216. I've got Permatex Gasket Shellac.
Do you use it to fasten the gasket to the head? If so, does the gasket go on the head before the cover is installed?
I've used it hold the gasket in the cover, but installed w/o anything between the cork and the head.
Just want to get it right this time...
"Knowledge is Good" -- Emil Faber
U S Navy MM2 1970-75 USS Canisteo AO-99, USS Miller DE-1091 (The Champagne of Ships)
1950 Styleline Deluxe 2dr, mostly stock, driver quality...new to me 3/18
2017 Silverado LTZ 6.2
2020 Blazer Premier
|
|
|
RAM_51
"8th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 6800

Loc: Yakima, WA. USA
Reg: 12-28-02
|
02-10-24 01:36 PM - Post#2866782
In response to Dave in VA
Others may disagree, but I've always used Permatex between a "cold" head surface and the gasket....nothing between the upper gasket surface and the cover. The gasket and sealant then act as a dam for any oil build-up on the upper surface of the head. I've found that if I do not do it this way, more times than not, I will get oil running down the back of the engine from the valve cover area.
1951 Fleetline Preservation
'51 Fleetline DeLuxe, POWERglide 2-DR (Fathom Green)
'51 Styleline Special BUSINESS COUPE (Shadow Gray)
'53 6500 Dump Bed (Faded Red)
'50 Styleline DeLuxe 4-DR (Mist Green) |
|
Dave in VA
"5th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 622

Age: 74
Loc: SW Virginia, USA
Reg: 03-11-18
|
02-10-24 02:18 PM - Post#2866783
In response to RAM_51
OK. I did it just the opposite last time. And I noticed some old Permatex on the head...
"Knowledge is Good" -- Emil Faber
U S Navy MM2 1970-75 USS Canisteo AO-99, USS Miller DE-1091 (The Champagne of Ships)
1950 Styleline Deluxe 2dr, mostly stock, driver quality...new to me 3/18
2017 Silverado LTZ 6.2
2020 Blazer Premier
|
|
japete92
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2362

Loc: No. Virginia
Reg: 01-18-13
|
02-10-24 02:50 PM - Post#2866784
In response to Dave in VA
I 'attach' the gasket to the valve cover. But prior to that, I make sure the head and valve cover surfaces are CLEAN.
I tighten incrementally (similar to a head gasket install) and I do not over tighten.
Just info
Pete
|
bobb
Super Senior Member
Posts: 6921
Loc: paradise
Reg: 09-05-03
|
02-11-24 10:35 AM - Post#2866802
In response to Dave in VA
i would consider using sealer on both sides of the gasket. surfaces need to be very clean. i use brake cleaner. black silicone is very oil resistant.
70 L camino, grampa engine, g-force 5 spd, road rage suspension. Pray first before all else fails. |
Edited by bobb on 02-11-24 10:35 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
|
belairbob50
Contributor
Posts: 645
Loc: OH where rust never sleep...
Reg: 03-17-13
|
02-11-24 11:05 AM - Post#2866803
In response to bobb
The one very important item to consider: how flat is the valve cover? Take a look at the two photos attached. By overtightening the valve cover to the engine, you can misshape the cover. Straighten/flatten the valve cover on a FLAT hard/steel surface like a saw table. I prefer applying the gasket sealing material to the valve cover. Just keep in mind when you do have to remove the valve cover, the back of the engine is very hard to get to with a scraper. Also, use a thicker gasket. The Filling Station has the correct one but NAPA does not.
[image]https://
[/image]
|
rrausch
"19th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 15226

Loc: L.A, Cal. & St. Louis...
Reg: 04-07-03
|
02-11-24 01:33 PM - Post#2866807
In response to belairbob50
I've straightened the steel valve covers with a hammer more times than I can count. That's why I went to a Wayne cast aluminum valve cover.
1953 210 Convertible, 261 with dual Carter YF 966S carbs, P.S., Remote Bendix P.B. Booster.
|
|
eplantage
Valued Contributor
Posts: 2690
Loc: Southern MN
Reg: 03-15-04
|
02-12-24 09:43 AM - Post#2866823
In response to belairbob50
Standard practice for all valve covers. I would include the side covers as well on the 216's.
Age: 70 at the moment
1950 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery
1953 BelAir Convertible Project
2002 Heritage Springer FLSTSI
1930 Model A Standard Coupe
US Navy Seabees EO2 77-83, 86-88 |
|
Kyle G.
Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 162

Age: 29
Loc: Delanco, New Jersey
Reg: 11-29-15
|
02-14-24 06:03 AM - Post#2866884
In response to Dave in VA
I would advise to do exactly as RAM_51 recommends and seal between the gasket and the head. If you engine has hydraulic lifters you can seal between the cover and gasket as well after ensuring the valve adjustment is good. If you consider using a silicone type sealer I would highly highly recommended using Permatex Gear Oil gasket maker 81182. After cleaning throughly with brake cleaner that stuff sticks and bonds to iron like nothing else. I’ve had only good results with this stuff unlike with the Ultra Black formulation. My engine has stayed oil tight from the valve cover for over 8 years after using the grey stuff. Naturally, you can’t expect to get a good seal if the valve cover is all bent out of shape so take care of that first and get the sealing surface as flat and straight as possible.
1950 Chevy Styleline Deluxe w/ '60 235 engine and '58 torque tube 3-speed overdrive with 3:55 gears in the back
1946 Willys CJ-2A |
|
Dave in VA
"5th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 622

Age: 74
Loc: SW Virginia, USA
Reg: 03-11-18
|
02-14-24 07:14 AM - Post#2866888
In response to Kyle G.
After re-reading RAM's post, that's exactly what I did. Permatex Gasket Shellac on the head and the gasket, nothing between the gasket and the cover. 25mi yesterday, and no leak.
"Knowledge is Good" -- Emil Faber
U S Navy MM2 1970-75 USS Canisteo AO-99, USS Miller DE-1091 (The Champagne of Ships)
1950 Styleline Deluxe 2dr, mostly stock, driver quality...new to me 3/18
2017 Silverado LTZ 6.2
2020 Blazer Premier
|
|
|