Replacing Valve Cover Gaskets


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By oldcarmark - 2 Months Ago
Looking for some Tips and Suggestions on successfully replacing Cover Gaskets. Never seem to do it well. I have to replace mine after I get the Oil to Rockers restricted. Cast Aluminum T-Bird Covers. I clean off old Gasket with Putty Knife and clean residue with Wire Brush on Drill. Attach new Gaskets with Black RTV and Cloths Pins until RTV Sets. What else do you Guys do? Using Wing Nuts to retain Covers .How tight should I be compressing Gaskets? What else can I do so they don't Leak?  Thanks for input. I would really like to get this Engine Drip Free. 
By KULTULZ - 2 Months Ago
READ THRU THIS - https://www.hotrodreverend.com/post/1955-ford-part-111-valve-cover-restoration

- EXCERPT -

NOTE: if you install the Thunderbird valve covers, you will find that your studs for the Ford sheet metal covers are way too short. Even after installing the correct studs, I had a small problem with fitment.

There is a TORQUE VALUE on the retaining nuts.
By oldcarmark - 2 Months Ago
I have the "correct" Studs but like You I find they are still shorter than they should be. Have to back the One at back out several Turns and then re-lock the retaining Nut on top of Stand.
By paul2748 - 2 Months Ago
I use RTV (red)  to attach the gasket to the cover.  A thin cat,put gasket on  and turn over and let the RTV set.  Never had a problem.  Use the aluminium covers
By oldcarmark - 2 Months Ago
Hi Paul. I just cleaned mine up to replace Gaskets. Black RTV and let it setup till tacky. Installed Gaskets and then turned over on an  piece of old Countertop flat and then Set Toolbox on top to hold Covers down until Tomorrow. Got My Machinist to install restrictors to cut down excess Oil Flow to Heads. Should fix my Problem. How tight do You do up the Hold down Nuts on Yours? I got Wingnuts on My Covers. 
By KULTULZ - Last Month
If the replacement gasket used (in place of OEM cork) is thicker, naturally the stud may not be as tall as needed to allow the acorn nut to contact enough threads to hold torque value. You may need to increase the length of the stud(s).

I would also apply BLUE LOCTITE to the threads of the studs to hopefully prevent the nuts from backing off. A lot of tension with the improved thicker gasket.

Also, if the studs are not torqued to value to the cyl heads, they will most likely vibrate and loosen negating the nut set torque value.

The TORQUE VALUE will be in your WSM.


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By Litshoot - Last Month
Studs don't get torqued with the same spec. you might get away with in on lower torque values but it could be problematic. ARP recommends a bit past hand tight. some thread locker isn't a bad idea for the stud into head. Unless its a race application or something weird i wouldn't put thread locker on the nut as that will more than likely pull the stud then your fighting to loosen the nut from a removed stud. set the valve cover bolts and check them after driving and then at increasing intervals until you see its not loosening as gasket settles in.
Seth
By KULTULZ - Last Month
CASCO BEAT ME TO IT - 
By paul2748 - Last Month
You installed the gasket using pretty much the same  way I do it. I use the acorn nuts for the hold down.  Basically, I just tighten by hand (no torque wrench) until I feel enough pressure on the wrench.   No leaks.  I suggest you follow the torque recommendation from Ford, but that is pretty hard to do with wing nuts..

I do torque the nuts that hold the studs to the head.  I don't know if Ford used lock washersunder those nuts, ,but I do.

oldcarmark (9/1/2026)
Hi Paul. I just cleaned mine up to replace Gaskets. Black RTV and let it setup till tacky. Installed Gaskets and then turned over on an  piece of old Countertop flat and then Set Toolbox on top to hold Covers down until Tomorrow. Got My Machinist to install restrictors to cut down excess Oil Flow to Heads. Should fix my Problem. How tight do You do up the Hold down Nuts on Yours? I got Wingnuts on My Covers. 
By oldcarmark - Last Month
Thanks Paul. I am going to try and be a little more inline with Your suggestions about tightening retainers mine being Wing Nuts. The Parts Catalog says Flat Washers and Lock Washer on each Location on rocker Shaft Supports. I realize that the Gaskets are thicker Today but I wish One of the Parts Sellers would start providing longer Studs to use with the Aluminum T-Bird Covers. 
By KULTULZ - Last Month
You have to adapt when working on old tech with new tech service parts.
By oldcarmark - Last Month
You are 100% correct. This Site is great for finding Information that others have found works. Live and learn. 
By paul2748 - Last Month
You usually can get studs at your local hardware store but not sure they may have the thread count that you need
By Vic Correnti - Last Month
I double nut mine, a thinner jam nut could be used if you have a thin wrench.
By oldcarmark - Last Month
Still having trouble with Rocker Cover Gaskets not sealing properly. Not pouring out leak but still getting a film of Oil below rocker Cover on outside edge below Cover. Do I just keep tightening cover until Head stays Dry or? Best Gaskets installed Flat and Grease coating on Gasket to Head surface. Thanks
By KULTULZ - Last Month
You have a PCV SYSTEM on the engine, correct?

Is it fully operational? Does the system show a vacuum being pulled while at curb idle with a quality  vacuum gauge connected to the dipstick tube? 

Cyl head drain back holes fully clear? Too much up top oil volume/delivery?

OEM ALUM rocker covers? Any chance of having gouged the rails when removing old gasket materiel?

Set them on a flat surface (kitchen table when the missus is not around) and check for any high/low rail areas. Maybe mark where leakage occurs before removing.

The rocker cover stud has to be tightened in the head (not to HAIRY ARMSTRONG spec) to prevent engine vibration from forcing it loose. If the stud loosens, you lose your hold down torque value and gasket crush.

Watch MUMMERT's U-TUBE video on sealing an oil pan rail. I would use that method on a rocker cover.

Of course, all of the above is IMO, so let the food fight begin ...
By DANIEL TINDER - Last Month
If the rockers ARE flooding, you likely need to re-do the restrictors with even smaller holes. Someone in the Y-Block community may have a set of old steel covers (cut away & modified with windows) they could loan (?). A selection of numerous Allen screws with progressive passage sizes would enable a correct oil flow dial-in.