Valve covers leaking and sealing thoughts?

[Lobobronco]

I finally got the engine compartment cleaned up and for the life of me can not get the valve cover gaskets (yup...both on the back side where the engine leans down) to seal. I know...not super techincal, but really annoying me ! Tried the cork and it leaked and then went with the high dollar feelpro rubber with metal (pn vs 13264 T) and still have a leak. With that being said, I haven't tried RTV yet and get mixed messages on using it.

These are the standard stamped valve covers. I know they have problems, but haven't had issues in the past. As far as I can tell they are not warped and the surface is uber clean.

Any thoughts and or tips or tricks? Probably should mention it is for a 351W.

Thanks in advance!

Matt

[akaFrankCastle]

Running a PCV on your valve covers?

My thought is time for new VCs. RTV is just going to be a mess. Mine leak too. But I just think of it as positive feedback that I still have oil in the engine.

[horseplay]

If the valve covers get over tightened they are prone to leak. The chevy style valve cover clamps help spread the pressure over more of the valve cover. Good luck

[Lobobronco]

PVC valve definitely not changed lately! Good call!!

I have looked at the spreaders but not the Chevy style.

It is currently leaking like sieve and not fun to watch :(!

I agree with the RTV...dad said "no" when I was a kid :)!

Thanks for the suggestions!

A slight;y annoyed.....Matt

[akaFrankCastle]

I dunno why I can't stop calling it a PCV.

[Justin]

It is PCV- positive crankcase ventilation.

[Kinder]

If they were over tight then you could use a socket / steel tube to correct the problem. Flip them over on something that has relief under the bolt area and reshape it, should do the trick.

[Booger]

I'm with kinder on this. Take a look at the flange area because if they've been overtightened with cork gaskets the area around the bolt could be distorted. Also look at the head sealing surface. It might have a divot or dip to it and allow oil to leak.

[Lobobronco]

Kirk was correct! I should have looked a little better. Some flange straightening and she is all sealed up.

Thanks for the input!

Matt