Topic: Valve Cover replacement
in Forum: C3 Engines
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
At the risk of souning silly... I have purchased L82 valve covers to replace the leaking stamped steel covers on my L48. My questions are:
1: replace the gasket with cork or rubber
2: when I last did this, (a long time ago), we used Permatex; is the goo of choice now:
3: do I goo the head and the cover or only the cover?
current
1977 Coupe
gone but not forgotten
1996 Grand Sport
1996 Grand Sport
1984 coupe
1974 coupe
1964 roadster
1974 coupe
1964 roadster
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
My personal opinion is to install gaskets dry...no goop. I also prefer the cork style gaskets. If the head surface, and the valve covers are clean and dry, the cork gaskets will seal forever.
Others have different ways of doing it, any one of them will work.
Others have different ways of doing it, any one of them will work.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
Don't over tigten them!! Especially cork gaskets - it doesn't take a lot to seal them.
LukesVette Homepage
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
101st Airborne(AirAssault!)
God Bless America
Support Our Troops 
2016119191545r.jpg)
Former Member
Send PM
WILLIAMSTOWN, KY - USA
Joined: 12/5/2002
Posts: 131
Vette(s): Silver Anniversary 1978, L82?, 4-speed
Probably not according to Hoyle; but I used rubber gaskets with permatex on both sides and have not had a leak. I periodicaly check for tightness and have not had any leaks so far.
2016119192810r.jpg)
Pappy's Toy
Lifetime MemberCOPPERAS COVE, TX - USA
Joined: 7/6/2002
Posts: 417
Vette(s): 1972 corvette stingray convertible
2007 coupe
I install mine dry also, I'm using rubber gasket now so I can take them off for polishing. I just check the tork now and then and they are fine.
2011111017209r.jpg)
For the record......I do mine dry........unless you like the mess.........
corvette440hp
Use mine dry too. Usually use cork, but the last time I used rubber. No problem.
Steve, Lifetime Member #129
74 coupe 4 speed 350, 54K actual miles,
all original; paint, interior, engine,
split bumper. #'s match. 2nd owner, no stress cracks.
Lifetime MemberElma, WA - USA
Joined: 6/25/2007
Posts: 692
Vette(s): Red 1973 Convertible.
L-48 Auto
#'s matching
Red 1970 LT-1
Convertible
#'s matching
I used cork.
Also used a 3-M weather stripping Gasket adhesive on the valve cover side only.
When I tightened the covers I just hand tightened equally, (pretty snug) as it seemed that the ratchet was just too much.
How did I come up with the hand tight deal?
When I took off the passenger side I could loosen them by hand so I figured that was a good sign.
So far no leaks and for me the key was just taking the time to clean the surfaces real clean.
Also used a 3-M weather stripping Gasket adhesive on the valve cover side only.
When I tightened the covers I just hand tightened equally, (pretty snug) as it seemed that the ratchet was just too much.
How did I come up with the hand tight deal?
When I took off the passenger side I could loosen them by hand so I figured that was a good sign.
So far no leaks and for me the key was just taking the time to clean the surfaces real clean.
Great; thanks for the opinions, tips, and advice... sounds like dry cork to me!
current
1977 Coupe
gone but not forgotten
1996 Grand Sport
1996 Grand Sport
1984 coupe
1974 coupe
1964 roadster
1974 coupe
1964 roadster
in Forum: C3 Engines
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)