Posted by Dave on Monday, October 25, 2004 at 0:06AM :
In Reply to: 440 valve cover gaskets posted by The Other Ross on Sunday, October 24, 2004 at 7:38PM :
I have had experience with several big block motors and one thing they had in common was failing v/c gaskets.The first thing to try is clipping the locating tabs off after installation.These are the small pieces that are outside of the v/c and are located above the exhaust manifolds.They serve no purpose after installation,so cut 'em off.The other thing that helps is to use FEL-PRO rubber gaskets.They are more durable than the cork gaskets and shrink less.I also used the small metal plates that spread the load out over more of the flange.Cast aluminium valve covers also seal better than stamped steel,i think because thae flange is thicker.