leaky valve cover

jwhalen · Post by **jwhalen** » Wed May 05, 2010 10:06 pm

I have a 1976 Chrysler 318 reverse rotation rebuilt with only 281 hours. I replaced the valve cover gaskets becuase the boat sat for a while and the others dried out. I can't seem to get the starboard cover to stop leaking in the back. It is only a few drops around the bolt head and maybe a drop or two on the block itself. Should I just expect that or are there any secrets outside of Indian Head.

Thanks as always,

John

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Wed May 05, 2010 10:12 pm

Could the cover be warped from overtightening? Happens sometimes.

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Thu May 06, 2010 3:22 am

old S.B. Chevy's use to do the same thing maybe you could try the same fix we did to them. Take the cover off and turn it upside down and rest the flanges on two 2x4's and tap on the inside edge of the flange to bend it back square. With a mallet not a metal hammer or look for a set of bolt on spreaders that go on the outside they spread the torque out more from the bolts to push on the gasket more.

Danny Bailey · Post by **Danny Bailey** » Thu May 06, 2010 7:54 am

Good advice above. You might also want to try the silicone rubber gaskets instead of the cork based ones. They seal a lot better.

jwhalen · Post by **jwhalen** » Thu May 06, 2010 8:34 am

Thanks for the advice. I will give it a shot

ready123 · Post by **ready123** » Thu May 06, 2010 9:18 am

Danny Bailey wrote:Good advice above. You might also want to try the silicone rubber gaskets instead of the cork based ones. They seal a lot better.

Agree 100%.. due to the tilt of boat engines these are a must in my opinion. Unlike cars there tends to be a pool of oil in contact with the aft end of those seals.... of course car drivers in San Francisco may see the same thing