Valve Cover Gasket Thickness?

[msommer001]

I am trying to make sure I ask questions when I have them. I notice while shopping for valve cover replacement gaskets, there are diffident thicknesses, 5/16 to 1/16. I believe that the type of head might impact this, but I want to make sure I get the right product. 77 bronco, with stock 302.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[patterdale]

Make sure the valve cover gasket surface is as flat as possible. Buy the stock cork gaskets and a little hytack or permatex and "glue" them to the valve covers. A light smear of silicone on the gasket and set them in place and bolt them on. Find the correct torque spec. and "tighten" them down. You can over torque these babys with a 1/4" drive ratchet so be careful.

 

[Broncobowsher]

If the valve cover clears the rockers without a gasket, you can run the thinnest one.
If you need extra clearance, go thicker.
If you have an EFI intake, be careful as there can be intake to valve cover clearance issues. you may have to run a thinner gasket for clearance to the intake.
After that, anything will work.

 

[msommer001]

I have heard that you should go rubber, since the cork can crack. I am not sure if this is valid or not. Maybe the cracking is from over tightening.

Also is there any other valve cleaning or checking I should do while I have the covers off?

Thanks again.

 

[70_Steve]

I have heard that you should go rubber, since the cork can crack. I am not sure if this is valid or not. Maybe the cracking is from over tightening.

I've always had worse luck with the rubber ones (except for the silicone ones for the cast valve covers). Seems to take more force to get them to seal, and that deforms the sheet metal valve cover flange. Then it leaks...

As stated above, use plain old cheapie cork valve cover gaskets. Use a straight-edge and straighten the dimples at the bolt holes on the valve cover flange. Use something to "stick" the gasket to the valve cover. I like #2 Permatex... I also use some special valve cover washers to spread the pressure from the bolt. Get them at pretty much any box auto parts store. Pic below... Then to torque, I use a 1/4" ratchet and just snug down using my two little fingers.

 

[Bronco Junkie]

Cork gaskets work better in my opinion.