Does anyone have aftermarket valve covers that look cool and don't leak? I bought some cast aluminum finned old Z-28/Corvette style valve covers and they leak out the back at the rear of the engine. i've tried Earl's Plumbing gaskets even and still nothing! Now I'm trying GM parts silver powder-coated ones. With factory style sppeader bars. let's hope that works!!!

 

I have had the same problem with my chrome plated ones and finally just used the wonder goop on the rear half of the gaskets.
If that doesn't work break out the Lincoln and run a bead. J/K

 

use it liberally and everywhere

 

ah rtv sealant is your best friend, this stuff seals anything and everything

 

I am running fairly cheap chrome jobbers that dont leak a drop. I scuffed up the mounting surface on the valve cover and laid a bead of RTV black down then laid a cork gasket the another ead of rtv and tightend them down. They didnt leak a drop while I had them in.

 

Darn I was hoping I wouldn't have to resort to goobering them up with silicone. But if it works, what the hey.

 

Try a better gasket maybe? I've had pretty good luck with the Mr. Gasket Ultra Seal's.

 

Anytime I put chrome parts on an engine or rear end cover, I scuff it as well. It works.

 

i got these from summittt running felpro gaskets with no rtv and no leaks yet. i have not run the car that much yet either

jeff

 

I just used rubber gaskets on my steelies, and I have no leaks. I used no RTV either.

I'd just use a generous bead of RTV around the surface of the valve cover, its worked well for me before. Forget gaskets alltogether

 

i never use rtv. i use the thinest gasket i can find. there is a good reason too. how many gaskets do you hear of failing? now how many valve covers fall apart? why add more tempramental material that you know is going to eventually fail? do not over tighten and you will normally be ok.