Valve cover gasket tip...

[rollercam1]

Because cork gaskets suck.

[1972hiboy]

I put cork gaskets on dry now. the idea being that oil would soak into them and cause them to swell making a better seal. I always used to put sealer on them and they did end up leaking quite badly. The last 390 I did my machinist told me to put it on dry so I did. They have held up very well.

[dailyf100]

Here is a tip. Throw the cork gaskets in the trash! Spend a few extra buks on some steel reinforced rubber gaskets and save yourself some time and hassle as well. They are also reusable. Best thing I did in a long while and they won't leak.

[1guydude]

I didnt use any. Also i wish i saw those clips earlier. I know i have some large ones sitting around. Dang. Good tip.
D

[Ohiotinkerer]

Something else I also do when changing oil pan or valve cover gaskets is lay the edge of them on a piece of metal and tap around the holes to make sure the area around them is flat. When I worked in a local garage you wouldn't believe how many I had to do that to because they were leaking and someone overtightened them thinking that would stop the leak and bent the edge of the holes down........

[the elder rocker]

Same idea, different approach---- I've always kept a pack of clothespins around the shop. Versatile, low clamp pressure, handy and ............Dirt cheap! I just keep them clipped to the card they came on hung on the pegboard.
Your humble Rural Engineer-
Mike Burgess
Albert, KS

[HIO Silver]

The problem with cork valve cover gaskets is the person installing them.

It's a matter of bad technique and poor attention to detail than the material itself.

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