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Hemi Valve Cover Gasket Material?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by dehudso, Oct 1, 2008.

  1. dehudso
    Joined: Sep 25, 2003
    Posts: 545

    dehudso
    Member

    The cork valve cover gaskets on my hemi have dried out and are leaking, dripping oil onto the manifolds, leaking on the driveway, etc.

    I'd like to make a new set of gaskets and was wondering what kind of material to make them out of. I'd like to avoid cork this time around. Is there a way to get a sheet of silicone and use that to make the gaskets? Kind of like the OEM's do with new cars.
     
  2. 1950ChevySuburban
    Joined: Dec 20, 2006
    Posts: 6,187

    1950ChevySuburban
    Member Emeritus
    from Tucson AZ

    I would use Right Stuff. Nothing else. Nice, neat and let dry before running car.
     
  3. scootermcrad
    Joined: Sep 20, 2005
    Posts: 12,382

    scootermcrad
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Hot Heads P/N 90801 Black composite. 22 bucks. :D No need to make anything.

    http://www.hothemiheads.com/engine_block/gaskets.html
     
  4. Shifty Shifterton
    Joined: Oct 1, 2006
    Posts: 4,964

    Shifty Shifterton
    Member

    X2 on right stuff. OEMs went gasketless, goo-only on lotsa stuff.

    I'll add another bit though, hand tighten for the overnight drying to ensure good contact, and do final torque once it sets.

    Personally, I glue a cork gasket to all my covers using right stuff. Set em on a sheet of scrap paper with bolts in the holes to keep gasket alignment and put 5lbs on top of the cover to ensure good contact while it dries. Ends up extremely reuseable if you take a little care when removing the covers from the engine. Good luck
     
    Tim likes this.

  5. scootermcrad
    Joined: Sep 20, 2005
    Posts: 12,382

    scootermcrad
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I second all that... WORD! :cool:
     
  6. dehudso
    Joined: Sep 25, 2003
    Posts: 545

    dehudso
    Member

    I'll most likely go with the right stuff. The Chrysler gaskets don't work with my DeSoto from what I gather.

    Thanks guys!
     
  7. scootermcrad
    Joined: Sep 20, 2005
    Posts: 12,382

    scootermcrad
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

  8. gearsforguts
    Joined: Sep 18, 2005
    Posts: 436

    gearsforguts
    Member
    from temple,pa


    after i glue the gaskets on and about to put them on i put a thin coat of oil on,makes it easier to get off later
     
  9. dehudso
    Joined: Sep 25, 2003
    Posts: 545

    dehudso
    Member

    Cool, I think I'll go with studs in the heads this time around as well. That way I can seal off the water jackets for good and locate the new gaskets nicely.
     
  10. dehudso
    Joined: Sep 25, 2003
    Posts: 545

    dehudso
    Member

    Yesterday I got my studs installed with thread sealant along the top row, since they thread into the water jacket. All done hand tight with a double-nut setup so they won't back out. Now for the gasket.

    I have a can of "The Right Stuff" and new cork gaskets. If I remember right:

    1. Glue the cork gaskets to the head, using a thin bead of the right stuff
    2. Smear a thin film of oil on the valve cover
    3. Torque the valve cover down and let sit overnight before starting it up?
     
  11. willysguy
    Joined: Oct 2, 2007
    Posts: 1,224

    willysguy
    Member
    from Canada

    I've used the Hot Heads [best gasket] and the worked fine.
     
  12. dehudso
    Joined: Sep 25, 2003
    Posts: 545

    dehudso
    Member

    I might just try and lay a bead of the right stuff on the valve covers as a first attempt. Now, just to find time to do it.
     

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