valve cover leaks

[panalukes]

Need some advice. I have been troubleshooting the leaking valve covers on my ford X306 heads with 6A582-302 Scott Drake Valve covers. I have tried blue felpro rubber (metal insert). I have tried felpro cork. I am about to try felpro rubber. I have tried multiple ranges of tightness on the bolts from loose to tighter than necessary. I have read multiple postings on this forum. I Can't stop this leak from the rear, lower corner of each side.

Is anyone else using Scott Drake 6A582-302 valve covers and got them to not leak? If so, what gasket did you use.

Thanks

 

[panalukes]

pics of valve cover & gasket

 

[Toddpole]

An old mechanic told me to scuff the sealing surface of a set of thin aluminum valve covers then use contact cement to glue the cork gasket to it. With the newer silicon gaskets I don't think the glue is necessary. I'm not even convinced it would stick. However, I would say you need to smooth the rough surface on the gasket sealing surface of the valve covers. An angle die grinder with a sanding disc would probably do the job. Be careful, take your time and keep the surface smooth and level.

 

[phldwsnoc1]

Mine leaked past the fasteners in those locations. Wound up putting a bead of RTV under the bolt heads to dry it up. It's very frustrating after spending real money on what should be quality parts. Good luck!

 

[BroncoKelley]

I bought the expensive rubber gaskets for mine and they leaked badly. Ended up buying the cork gaskets and using gasket sealer called HI-Tack made by permatex, it's red and super sticky. I glued the gaskets to the valve covers with it and no problems since.

 

[TDubya]

I bought the expensive rubber gaskets for mine and they leaked badly. Ended up buying the cork gaskets and using gasket sealer called HI-Tack made by permatex, it's red and super sticky. I glued the gaskets to the valve covers with it and no problems since.

What he said

 

[ep67bro]

Yup had the best luck with Felpro cork and a thin coat of Rev. Haven't used those valve covers but had the same problem with aluminum valve covers n a 390 I used to have.

 

[blubuckaroo]

What he said

X3^
I use the Felpro rubberized cork gaskets. Contact cement on the valve cover side only. A light coat of motor oil on the head side of the gasket.
RTV on valve cover and pan gaskets isn't a good idea.

 

[bronco117]

I use cork gaskets. Permatex indian head gasket shellac or high tack on the part side, let it cure overnight. Permatex ultra black on the engine side.
Lately I have been interested in Hondabond. Street and motorcycle guys swear by it.
One thing that most people overlook. Assemble parts then let what ever you use cure according to the instructions before adding fluids. I wait 48 hours if I can and my intakes, valve covers and thermostats almost never leak.

 

[gr8scott]

I use the Felpro steel-lined rubber gaskets with no sealant between these
valve covers and aluminum heads. Absolutely no leaks at all.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-302-135/overview/make/ford

 

[panalukes]

Thanks for the input. So far, the cheap rubber gaskets have worked the best but they still leak a little. I'll try cork again and let it cure overnight with the sealant on the part side.

 

[tatersalad]

I'm currently using the felpro with the metal inserts with bronco script with no leak. On my previous engine I had an issue sealing a set of edelbrock elite covers. I finally bought a set of moroso valve cover gaskets at a speed shop and that fixed it. They are like the felpro ones only thicker.

 

[patterdale]

Gasket type really shouldn't matter a lot. Make sure the sealing surface of the valve cover is perfectly flat. Even on aluminum covers the bolt holes can become distorted from over torque. If the surface is not flat no gasket will seal correctly. And whatever you do resist the urge to tighten them just a "just a little more".