[jakevaj]

I recently bought a set of Ford Racing Cobra valve covers with Edelbrock plastic/foam type gaskets for my 289. The previous owner used the cork style gaskets with silicone and it was a pain in the rear end to get the silicones off the heads. I took my time and scraped it all off. Then I installed the new gaskets and valve covers with no silicone. I didn't torque the bolts down to where it was tight, because I didn't want it to destroy the gaskets. I snugged the bolts enough to where the gaskets are mildly squashed between the cover and heads. After driving for a week I noticed that I have small oil residue/leaks around the outside of the valve covers on both sides and making its way to the rear of heads and dripping down the back of the plate between the motor and tranny. Has anyone come across this problem? Do I have to torque the valve cover bolts all the way down to squash the gasket to it's thinest point? Are there better gaskets that requires no silicone. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[5.0 in a 66]

I've had great luck with cork gaskets, gluing them to the covers with RTV and once that's completely dry, putting another thin coat on the face of the gaskets, letting that skin over, and then installing the covers. You might want to put them on and go back later and tighten them so the still slightly wet RTV doesnt make things slide.

I've also been told to do the same with 3M Weatherstrip adhesive, and not let the 2nd pass tack so long, then install. Supposed to be easier to take off than with RTV too, I think I'm gonna try it next time.

OTOH there are the 1-pc wire reinforced rubber reusable Felpro gaskets that install dry.
HTH
--Kyle

[Twister]

personally, I ONLY use Fel Pro neopreane valve cover gaskets, they are re-useable and seal better

[The Greek]

On my valve covers I glue the gaskets down with weather strip adhesive. On the head side I apply a thin coating of a non hardening sealer called Hylomar HPF made by Permatex Item #25249. Have not ever had a leak from the valve covers and I can take them on and off without any clean up. I also used this stuff on my 9in rear gear assy. ,no leaks after 2 years. Gaskets will compress some after putting them on ,just go back and slightly torque the bolts down from time to time. Good Luck,--Chuck