Leaking Valve Covers 360 FE

[77Moneypit]

Just bought a 76 4x4 360 and took a week off to work on it. Current mini project is to stop the valve covers from leaking. The valve covers on them now are Ford stamped chrome covers. Not sure if they are aftermarket or not, however, around the bolt tabs I see minor cracks but they are still intact. I replaced the old cork gaskets that were on with rubber gaskets torqueing them to spec but still both leak. Note I really cleaned up the mating surfaces on both sides extremely well. Both sides leak near the cab with the driver side leaking the worst. I did not try any RTV sealant and can but also heard that OEM steel covers work better.

So my question is should I try RTV sealant or replace the current covers? If I replace them what do you guys recommend as the best option?

Next post will be figuring out the speedometer cable that I have already removed (bought a new cluster no change) that when pulled from the tranny the entire unit including the plastic gear came out.

Thanks in advance!

[fordman]

you have to tap the area around the bolt hole flat. before you put the covers on. when they dent in just a slight it doesnt let the bolt hold the whole cover down all the way. it just holds down a small area. sealant from the gaskets to the covers is good.

[77Moneypit]

Thanks Fordman i will try that next. i was hoping to get more life out of the current covers. If I can't what do you recommend?

[convincor]

i've found any cast aluminum cover will seal better that stamped as the don't bend like stamped.
I don't care for the rubber gaskets. Prefer cork and I glue them to the cover with "The Right Stuff".
The head side gets a smear of grease so the cork wont stick to the head.. works well for me..

[FORDification]

Depending on where it's leaking from, you might try to get some spreaders, to distribute the load over a wider area.

[papabug71]

I agree with keith. I like using the load spreaders on stamped steel covers. If your bolt holes are ripping, you need some of these.

You can also use the valve cover "tabs" like these.

[derek7871]

Keep an eye on the "Parts for Sale" section and you might score some inexpensive OEM covers.

[DuckRyder]

The only place I use sealant is at the head to intake joint.

[77Moneypit]

Thanks guys those are all great ideas. I really appreciate your assistance on this. My plan is to go with the spreaders first and see what that does for me. If not I will keep an eye on the parts for sale here and the normal hot sheets (craigslist/ebay).


Thanks!

[1970FordTK]

One thing that I recommend (being that I didn't read it list in the others responses) is to use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts up. Having snapped off more bolts than I care to think about over the years, I know that I'm heavy handed when it comes to tightening bolts. Proper evenly tightened bolts (ones at the right torque before you bend the sheet metal covers) help out. Just my worth of idea to help out.