After Market Valve Covers

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I have an  aluminium after market valve cover on my engine and it is leakiing. Can I just use the oem gasket or do I have to order a specific one for the valve cover? I snapped a picture of it because it was replaced before I purchased the car and maybe somebody knows the make.

http://s839.photobucket.com/albums/zz318/waldo343/new%20gauges/Leaking%20Valve%20Cover/

Thanks, Wally

[IowaEagle]

That sure looks like an '87 and later valve cover.  What year is your engine?

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It is in an 83 SX/4. I was told the engine had been rebuilt about 30 or 40 thousand miles ago.  I won't know for sure until I get the engine out in the spring. In the meantime I would like to get the oil from running down onto the headers.  Is the gasket the same for the plastic covers and the aluminuim ones? It would be a drag to get the thing apart and have the wrong gasket.

Thanks

[IowaEagle]

That cover should only fit the '87 and later heads.  So, you may have a different head on an older motor, which is possible, you then will want the gasket for the '87 and later heads.   I have seen later covers put onto the older heads and they will leak terribly as they are not meant for the '81 - '86 head.  So, the first thing you need to determine is which head do you have.   Why are you pulling the engine?    Maybe they stuck a newer head on and reused the 7/16" diameter head bolts which could explain a really poorly running engine, if that is what you are experiencing.

[Mavericke]

Hey IE... can we get the main post updated for most recent valve cover shops/prices?

If I get the digging done before you (thinking you probably already know), I'll post it. I just want to find an alum cover for my 83 engine and get it ordered like yesterday.

Thanks!

[IowaEagle]

Sure you do the homework and I will update it.

[Mavericke]

10-4 good buddy!

[Mavericke]

Updated January 2010

http://collinsbros.stores.yahoo.net/valcovgromoi.html - Item #83501398K-AL42, Black:$74.95

http://www.quadratec.com/products/51104_04_07.htm - Item #83503343AL, Silver:$92.99

http://www.bulltear.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21_34 - Silver:$89.99, Black:$94.99

I bought the 4th one down on this page for my 83... it is also the same one I have on my 82, but the 82 is the silver one. It cost me $92 with shipping and everything.
http://collinsbros.stores.yahoo.net/valcovgromoi.html

[Lynx_Gen]

Updated January 2010

http://collinsbros.stores.yahoo.net/valcovgromoi.html - Item #83501398K-AL42, Black:$74.95

http://www.quadratec.com/products/51104_04_07.htm - Item #83503343AL, Silver:$92.99

http://www.bulltear.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21_34 - Silver:$89.99, Black:$94.99

I bought the 4th one down on this page for my 83... it is also the same one I have on my 82, but the 82 is the silver one. It cost me $92 with shipping and everything.
http://collinsbros.stores.yahoo.net/valcovgromoi.html

any use for that oil breather cap (Bottom of page) on our machines.. ? just curious.. I suspect we have enough holes n outlets on the cover as it is...

[IowaEagle]

Thanks Mav.  Updated the first post with your information.

[Mavericke]

Not sure about the Lynx... good question though.

Thanks Doug!

[Budwisr]

 Has anyone had any experience with the PML valve cover? It is capable of using the studded bridge mounting. Fairly pricey at $160 though.
              http://www.yourcovers.com./valve_covers_8656.php

[Mavericke]

Nice find... I like that style. Wish I had found that before I bought my latest cover... technically my engine isn't a 4.2 anymore, ya know? It was all I could find. :/ I'd love to have a chrome cover honestly... with no stamp (unless it had the AMC logo)

[Lynx_Gen]

I have to ask... When I mentioned the aluminum valve cover to the owner at our local NAPA, (Hes the guy with several eagles of his own, one of which his son jumped about 8 ft high and blew the shocks out the hood.. lol) about the valve cover, he said something along the lines of dont go with the them, use the plastic covers kinda thing...?

Any theory what may lead to this opinion when everyone else, and everything I've read says otherwise.. ?

A valve cover/gasket, distributor seal/o-ring/ (whatever holds our oil in) distributor seal, and *UGH* rear main seal would cure all my leaks...
(Except the rear diff leak... I re-did my rear axle seals, bearings brakes etc when I got the car and made dang sure that vent tub and port was free and clear to breath, I promiss!!!! and it leaks out that triple stupe rear diff plug.. better there than blowing out the axle or pinion seal I guess...)

Its just one of those things thats bugged me about the valve cover. However, I think I've at least un-conciously decided to go with a new alum cover... just haent found one with the right words on it yet... hehe... too bad we cant get those custom inscribed! mine would say "TANK" or maybe "SOAR" lol

[IowaEagle]

I don't think anyone has reported any issues with any of the aftermarket valve covers.  I think one member did say their's developed a crack along part of the mounting surface.  That could have been a manufacturing defect or an installation issue.