I've been searching and reading old posts because this has been discussed previously,
but I haven't found the exact answer to this:
what is the best kind of valve cover gasket to use? It's for the 88 with the aluminum (or some kind of metal) valve cover. I want it to last approximately forever, or maybe a little longer. ;D
My vote would be rubber, it took me 3 cork gaskets and some silicone to finally get my 83 with the aluminum valve cover to stop leaking
Rubber seems likely to be the best candidate...Im hoping the 4.0 head ill be swapping in on my eagle will be less problematic leak wise but it seems all strait 6 engines leak...must be the long valve cover.
I seem to remember hearing about a 2-layer gasket that sold for something like $48 at NAPA.
Did I dream this up?
NAPA online lists a cork gasket for $7.99 and a sponge laminate gasket for $41.99.
Advance auto lists the cork gasket for $6.99 and the sponge laminate gasket for $38.99.
All are made by Felpro
Quote from: Eagleearl on March 28, 2011, 10:32:42 AM
NAPA online lists a cork gasket for $7.99 and a sponge laminate gasket for $41.99.
Advance auto lists the cork gasket for $6.99 and the sponge laminate gasket for $38.99.
All are made by Felpro
When I had my old plastic valve cover, Napa had the laminate gasket for the plastic. The cheaper is for the aluminum. I found out the hard way when I bought the wrong one...had to go back and get the more expensive one for the plastic valve cover. Wound up replacing the plastic valve cover 4 months later anyway.
I know you have a problem with that one bolt. I don't so I'm biased. I would cork it and recheck your torque a couple of times.
Btw an 88 is factory alulinium (spelled on purpose) not plastic.
Compare them side bysidefor an idea of what your paying for jim.
HI JIM I have plastic and it did not leak with the rubber gasket ..see no long story ......Don
I agree with mk on this one, cork worked great for the SX, (aftermarket alum). So far no leaky, lol.
My 84 Eagle has a cork gasket...no leaks. My 87 has neoprene gasket...leaks in spots. GRR.
The factory Aluminum is the same pattern as the 4.0, and I had no problem with cork. Just clean everything well, use denatured alcohol, and apply a VERY light amount of gasket sealer to the head and let the gasket stick there for a little so it doesn't misalign on the thin spots.
Quote from: BenM on March 28, 2011, 11:07:06 PM
The factory Aluminum is the same pattern as the 4.0, and I had no problem with cork. Just clean everything well, use denatured alcohol, and apply a VERY light amount of gasket sealer to the head and let the gasket stick there for a little so it doesn't misalign on the thin spots.
Not the best idea. Use high tach gasket sealant from permatex. Its a brush on glue. Permatex sealer will leave high and low spots used that way. Than the cork has to conform to that.