Valve Cover Gasket Question (yes, another)
Hi everyone,
I've reviewed many of the threads on this topic and be,ieve I have a plan to fix my issue.
I have a 1970 383 engine in a 1975 Duster. I replaced both valve covers due to leaks. The drivers side is fine, however the passenger side is still leaking slightly. The gasket used was a Fel-Pro PermaDry Valve Cover Gasket VS50145R from Summit Racing with no RTV.
I've pulled the offending cover, cleaned it down to bare metal, checked for warp around and near bolt holes (no warp) and cleaned it with CRC Brake cleaner. On the engine I've soaked up the oil laying in the head and then used CRC Brake cleaner on the mating surface to remove any oil residue. I have RTV ready.
After reading the different threads on this I ordered different gaskets, Mr. Gasket Ultra-Seal Valve Cover Gaskets 5877, but also have a second set of the original Fel-Pro gaskets.
My questions are:
1.) Which gasket, the Fel-Pro or the Mr. Gasket, would be better for this application? I know sometimes newer techology (gaskets) do not play well with older tech (engine head casting imperfections).
2.) Since the leaks were only coming from the bottom side next to the exhaust manifold, should I only use RTV there, where the leaks were, or should it be used all the way around?
3.) Confirm that I should 1st RTV the gasket to the cover first, and then 2nd apply the RTV to the gasket prior to placing onto the head (not RTV the head and then place the cover/gasket assembly onto it)
4.) Confirm that minimal, but sufficient amount of RTV should be used.
5.) How long should I let the RTV set-up before running the engine?
6.) Is retightening after the engine has reached normal running temperature needed? If so, while hot or after it cools?
7.) If still leaking after running (prior to retighening), will retightening help or is it a waster of time at that point?
Since this is the second time attempting to fix this I want to give myself the best chance of success - it's a bit difficult since I need to pull the distributor up a bit to clear and the rear bolt of the cover is tough to reach (BB never meant to go into a Duster).
Thanks in advance for your input and advice
Cheers,
Dean