Looking for a "quality", non leaking (yah right) valve cover gasket for my '72 Chevelle 350. On the driver's side, towards the firewall, got a leak. I've read a bunch of posts, it seems fairly common with SBC's? I have the valve cover hold down "bars" also.

Recently bought a set (cork) from NAPA...still a bit of a leak. Any good brand you can recommend...Summit, Jegs, Year One....?

I like the black rubberized gaskets. Are your valve covers straight? the flange where the gasket goes straight? stamped steel valve covers are bad about warping,seems I have to tweek mine every time I change gaskets or run the valves.

dreilly,
The NAPA cork gaskets are as good as any. Valve cover leaks are usually caused by deformed valve covers or improper installation. Make certain that the v. cover rails are straight (not dimpled) and all mating surfaces are clean and dry. Do not overtighten the attachment hardware.

The black rubber ones Rapid Robert mentioned with the steel core are good. I had some and took the covers off dozens of times and they always resealed.

Recently I used an expensive ($35) Felpro set, that are very similar. They are red rubber, with a hard plastic core. They also reseal nicely and don't leak for me.... and I've got cheap flexible chrome valve covers smile.gif

chris

I use the ones from Napa that are cork but they are double thick. So instead of being like 1/8" thick they are 1/4"! They work like no other, and I even just changed cylinder heads last night & the gaskets peeled off my old heads and sealed on my new ones great! I dont remember the part number or brand, but just ask for the double thick ones, I got them at cost and they were only like $15.

i too use fel-pro's....never had a problem with them leaking on me. i got mine from advance auto parts for like 15 bucks or so.
-Jay

I use Mr Gasket 5/16 thick cork ones, I would use Napa's thick ones too but I didn't know they made them!

I think it also helps to use studs, they help hold the gasket in place making leaks from mis alignment less likely.

Perfect!!...thanks for all of the replies...this Tech Forum has been a god send over the past couple of months since purchasing my "mid life crisis".

Thanks again guys!

FYI - the part number for NAPA/Victor-Reinz thick (5/16") cork/rubber valve cover gasket for small block Chevrolet is VS38110H. Thick vc gasket is also available for big block as part number VS38420H. Make sure the part numbers have the 'H' suffix. The gaskets are also available at CarQuest and other Victor-Reinz outlets under the same part numbers. It is very easy to overtighten the valve covers when using thick gaskets, be careful.