258 valve cover gasket woes...

[CaptainMorgan]

I have done this before on different motors but replacing the valve gasket on my 258 has been a pain. Are there any special tricks...it seems to be leaking worse than the old one I replaced...:mad:

[ademster]

did you use a cork gasket, and did you tighten it down to much? to where is pushed the gasket out?

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You basically tighten the bolts down to where it barely squeezes the gasket.

[CaptainMorgan]

Dammit, I did over tighten it...I thought so. I guess I will get another one.

[ademster]

Sorry dude.

[CaptainMorgan]

No, it's not your fault. I kind of knew when I had over tightened it...you only confirmed my suspicsions...I got another gasket for another $8...oh well. And now I think I can do it right.

I've done 2 ford 351's, a VW and a '87 Raider and never messed it up...that was a long time ago and VW's dont count.

[ademster]

haha

well... just tighten them down slowly just until the gasket begins to push out...


but, remember bring all the bolts down evenly... if you dont you will have uneven torque applied and you again will leak.

[Gordo]

When i had my CJ7 that valve cover was in inch pounds not foot pounds. just needs to be snug. If you can get a inch pound wrench you would be better off. I don't remember how tight you need. A chilton book should have the specs.


How do I know this? I did the foot pounds and cracked the plastic valve cover.

[CaptainMorgan]

I will have to try it without the inch pound wrench, I think I can. I never used one before and always had success with this...I am not sure I did it evenly last time either even thought I tried...that I6 cover is huge, I am used to two smaller ones or one smaller one.

[ademster]

start in the center on both sides, and work your way to the ends. going back and forth...


and do it slowly, bring all the bolts until the heads are flush with the cover, then go back to the center, and then turn it just till the gasket squeezes a little.. and work your way out going from side to side.

[CaptainMorgan]

I did it again, I think it is perfect...I put it in upside down the first time and tightened it too much:)

...oops...no wonder it leaked..hahahaha.

Thanks Adam.

[ademster]

no problem...