Thread: best type of valve cover gasket

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I purchased a short block from a thunderbird guy in wis. My mechanic purchased some gaskets and attached them to the heads. My driver side was leaking. Took it to another mechanic and he showed me that the driver side was somewhat bent so he attempted to pound the one out and bought some felpro cork gaskets same thing happening again about 6 drops after I run it.Is there a technique to straightening the one out. Is a rubber gasket better what type of rubber would you recommend. The mechanic also used silicone around it to. I own a 62 thunderbird. Theres only four bolts that hold it to the head. Thanks Larry. Ps Do they make a thicker size in the rubber and also I no anywhere between 5 to 7 lbs of torque to secure them also. With the rubber could I tighten just a little more.

I'm a big fan of Earl's gaskets. They have metal inserts at the bolt holes that prevent overtightening. They're not cheap.

I think why the felpro gasket didnt work was that the mechanic couldnt flaten the covers properly. Thank Jack. Larry

I have to "assume" that the engine is an FE - and they are a pain to seal. I too like Earls, but they don't cover all engines. The Edelbrock gaskets are .310 vs .172 for the Fel-Pro. I used to contact cement them to the valve cover after I had straightened the bolt holes.

Thank you David. I will purchase the edelbrock becaus there a little thicker. Larry

Another thing to look at... Where the intake mates to the heads, is that junction level where the valve cover gasket crosses between them. Machined heads + un-cut intake can give you a stepped area that is harder to seal on both ends of the heads.

sounds like you have a pair of beat up valve covers.by some new or go custom covers that should cure the leek.most people tighten the cover to tight when they replace the gaskets.