What do you guys use for valve cover hold down tabs? I have the stock 440 valve covers and they're warped and leak, I replacing with set of Edelbrock stamped steel chrome valve covers. I am putting studs in the heads and using flanged bolts, but wondering if I should use some tabs to distribute the pressure? Also should I use I sealer on the valve cover side of the gasket?
Valve cover tabs
- Thread starter smythge
- Start date
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JR
Pissed off senior member.
Im running a pair of stampped chromies too. I got some of the chrome triangle shapped tabs from Auto Zone (I think that they are the same as the stock chebby ones). Im going to swap over to a pair of finned aluminum M/T valve covers because the chrome ones like to leak after a while. Iv never had good luck with them and Im a paranoid gasket sealling bastard I always use sealer on bolth sides of the gaskets.
dusterdon
Well-Known Member
If your valve covers are flat at the gasket flange, and with new ones I sure hope that they are, you shouldn't need anything extra. Just glue the gaskets to the valve cover and put them on. Be very careful about the torque used. Use a 1/4" drive ratchet and slowly go around the valve cover tightening in small steps. They really are only made very snug, not tight. Overtightening is what bends valve covers and creates leaks. Go easy.
don
don
moper
Well-Known Member
Like Don said..I use weatherstrip adhesive (yellow or black...) to glue the gasket to the cover. I've had the same set on my Cuda for 6 years, thru various valve adjustments and checks. Make sure there is no oil or grease on the surfaces, and dont ovetighten. I use allen head screws to avoid being able to over torque them. I use a long allen wrench with no T handle so I cant really lean on it..I tend to go too hard on stuff. I always start with the lower flange (near header) in the center, tighten from the center out, and then the upper flange (by intake).
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