Pointers on replacing valve cover gasket

Grandpa's Huckster

Grandpa's Huckster

Junior Member
I have a leaking valve cover gasket. I've ordered a replacement and two oil tube gaskets as well. It seems to be a pretty simple job. I assume I can access it easily by pulling the carb. Do I need to remove the exhaust manifold too? Any pointers to help me with the job are certainly appreciated.
 
Based on what I just did in adjusting my valves, I did remove the manifold and it did make it easer to get the back left upper bolt out of the cover. But the last time I did this, I did not remove the manifold. So I think to answer your question it can be done without removing the manifold. Others on this site may have other ideas,

P.S. Nice looking huckster.
 
Hey GH, if your manifold is "not" leaking, don't remove it. It is much easier to do this with the carb removed. The gasket replacements are pretty straight forward. Just don't over tighten the bolts. When putting on the oil return cork gaskets, make sure you have the copper washers on. Again, don't over tighten. Good luck. Jeff
 
I would make a couple of these. They are just bolts the same size and thread as the cover bolts, longer, with the heads cut off and a slot cut for a screwdriver.

You can put these in first to hold the cover and gasket in place while threading the rest of the cover bolts. Then remove them and replace with the remaining cover bolts.
 

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You can do it without removing the manifold. Apply some Permatex #2 to one side of the gasket and stick it onto the cover. Then apply more #2 to the exposed side and carefully position the cover. I slip a couple bolts through the holes to help. Secure it lightly with those couple of bolts. Check that the gasket is in position, and put more bolts in and snug them up. Put that upper left bolt in after you have the other bolts in.

Disclaimer: With all the kerfuffle about incorrect information, let me just say this is the way I have done it for over 50 years. I make no claims that this is the right way. Just what has worked for me. Free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it.
 
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I do similar to 700rpm. However I use Indian Shellac and stick the cork gasket to the cover only. I do not use any shellac on the engine side. That way it can be removed later with no fuss. Just tighten evenly and do not over tighten. It will be good for a long time
 
SORRY I blabbed my BIG mouth, AGAIN. After years of repairing cars, it seems like such a straightforward, simple job, to me. Again, I'm SORRY!
"Maybe" I should go AWAY, for a day or two, UR a week, UR a MONTH????
Bill Ashamed
 
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1crosscut said:
I do similar to 700rpm. However I use Indian Shellac and stick the cork gasket to the cover only. I do not use any shellac on the engine side. That way it can be removed later with no fuss. Just tighten evenly and do not over tighten. It will be good for a long time
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I have been doing it this way for years ... if you have to remove it on side of road and do not have a gasket then gasket can be reused if both sides are not stuck to engine and cover!!

Did same thing on Volkswagen valve covers so do not have to scrape gasket off the cover every 3000 miles for valve adjustment. Used gasket 5 or 6 times.
 
We use a very little Permatex white thread sealer on bolts entering oil passages, such as the oil pipe/copper washers, water pump, some pan bolts, etc..
 
Just snug up the bolts holding the overflow tube on. The web around the center on the plate is easy to crack.
 
Burner,
LOVE Old Tires, they make SHOE/SANDLE Soles & are perfect for "no damage" pushing & can be cut to make GREAT Planters.
Mrs Bell would coast her '39 Plymouth down the hill to start it. IF It didn't start, she'd coast out on the road & tie her Old tire on the back & wait fer a PUSH. Then, off for town fer a Battery Charge at Chiefs' Fillin' Station. We had the FIRST, FAST Battery charger in town & made BIG BUCKS with it. Chief taught me how to hook it up & move it from car to car. He trusted me with his Waterbury Watch, to time them. YES, I knew HOW to tell TIME & how to clean restrooms!----LOL
SORRY I got on a "roll", I could write stories & stories about the Fillin' Station Experiences & BORE you to DEATH!
Bill Fullcharge
 
BILL WILLIAMSON said:
How can such a SIMPLE job become so OVERCOMPLICATED?????
Bill Puzzled
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As I mentioned in another thread, as time goes on we will be seeing more and more people with little or no experience on the systems and techniques used on these cars. As an example, I think I read the last carburated cars sold in the US were back in the late 90's, 20 some odd years ago. So yea, we will be seeing more questions that we think are elementary.

My own experience, when I was growing up my Dad never worked on his own car. He would tell us the mechanics need to feed their families too.
 
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