Cork or Paper

Ronnie Lawson

Ronnie Lawson

Senior Member
I am rebuilding my Model A engine and was wondering which is better for the gaskets on the valve cover and engine pan. Cork or paper.
 
I prefer paper . If cork gaskets get tightened down too much they squeeze out the sides . I've used both types with good luck . Paper gaskets seem more fool proof .
 
Ronnie Lawson said:
I am rebuilding my Model A engine and was wondering which is better for the gaskets on the valve cover and engine pan. Cork or paper.
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Hey Ronnie,
IMO, paper gaskets deform/tear too easily.
Also, if surfaces are least bit distorted/dirty , i.e.-oil pan, you have less chance of good seal with paper. Yes, you can use sealant , but that is another discussion subject
Whereas , there are differing grades of cork gasket. If you can , get rubber/cork compound gasket. This type gasket tends to be easier to work with and it does good handling the compression factor when clamped properly . My experience is that it also seals better than paper without adding sealant. We all have a clue what loose/excess sealant can get into in an engine. Ham handed use of fasteners can destroy any gasket and fastener.
I buy rubber/cork composition gasket material and make my own, with good results. Good luck :)
 
I read many of the reviews of cork verses the cork/rubber composite materials. I find the cork/rubber more stable under pressure and against more chemicals. I looked at the paper gasket materials also. The manufacturing of the materials are better and more reliable than the older gaskets available.

I think each has its place in the Model A. For instance I use cork in the fuel filter and paper in the carb.
 
The paper oil pan and valve cover gaskets that I have used are pretty thick .They are really too thick to be called paper , more like thin cardboard . A person would really have to try to tear or deform them . These gaskets are not trhin paper like the timing cover gaskets that are about the thickness of a page in a magazine . I use sealer to hold the valve cover gasket to the valve cover and let it dry before installing . The oil pan gasket must be installed to the block instead of the oil pan . The tabs at the rear of the pan gasket must install so that they will install under the rear oil pan seal at the rear main bearing cap. I use sealer on the block not the oil pan .
 
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