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Bent valve cover, how do I straighten w/o breaking?

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Old 04-06-2006, 11:13 AM
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Car: 1994 Trans Am
Engine: LT1
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Bent valve cover, how do I straighten w/o breaking?

Well, as I was pulling it off I must've bent it. Anyway, they are nice a silver satin looking, and the stock replacement is black and I can't find silver ones and my car needs to be running w/i the next 3 days.

It's not a horrible bend, but it's upturned in the corner area on the side. I was thinking of stapping it to a head on the ground and using a c-clamp and maybe a flat peice of wood or metal, use that to keep it straight and bammo.

OR just whacking it with a rubber mallet.

Will this work, or once they are bent, they are useless? I don't want to replace with black ones, but if I must I will. I just don't see the need to spend $100 if I don't have to. I really like the valve covers I have.
Old 04-06-2006, 11:36 AM
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Car: 85' TA
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bent it back best nyou can, and double gasket it....
Old 04-06-2006, 11:45 AM
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Double gasket it? How will 2 fit, or do you mean like gasket sealer in in the cover, then the real gasket too? I really think bending will work, I just wasn't sure if the aluminum will give and crack.
Old 04-06-2006, 02:52 PM
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double gasket, rtv two gaskets together, and use the two, cork is the best for bent surfaces as it gives more, and forms to the surface, just dont torq it down too hard, snap, it will break in half.

I've used the double gasket trick for years on bent covers, no leaks as of yet.
Old 04-06-2006, 08:13 PM
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If its a steel valve cover, get out a peice of 2x4 wood, put said wood on top of the valve cover flange, and beat it flat with a hammer. By hitting the wood, you won't dent the valve cover. You won't break it, steel ones are quite flexible before they break, unlike aluminum ones.
Old 04-07-2006, 12:11 AM
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Well, it's straight. I think it is the steel one. I just bolted it onto a head that was laying around and whacked at it with a rubber mallet and it worked fine. Nice and flat again and no dents either.
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