Finding the particular right thick sbc valve cover gaskets is generally the only thing position in your way on the path to a garage floor covered within oil spots. In case you've spent any kind of time playing around along with a Small Block Chevy, you know the drill. A person get the engine timed right, the carb is dialed in, and the thing sounds like the beast, but 10 minutes into your first drive, a person smell that unmistakable scent of oil hitting a very hot header. It's a rite of passage for SBC owners, but it's one which gets old actually fast.
The reality is definitely that the factory-style thin gaskets just don't cut it most of the time, especially when you aren't working brand-new, perfectly flat cast aluminum addresses. Most of all of us are dealing along with old stamped metal covers that have been over-tightened so many periods the bolt openings are pulled out of shape. That's where the thick stuff comes in to save the time.
The Problem with Stamped Steel plus Thin Gaskets
Standard gaskets intended for a 350 or a 305 are generally pretty thin—we're speaking maybe 1/8 associated with an inch in the event that you're lucky. Upon a brand-new engine with perfectly toned surfaces, they function fine. But let's be real: how many of us are working with "perfect" surfaces?
Over the years, people tend in order to crank upon all those four corner mounting bolts because they see a leak. They think "tighter is better, " but along with stamped steel addresses, all that will is dimple the particular metal around the particular bolt hole. Once those holes are flared out, the particular rail of the valve cover isn't putting even stress on the gasket anymore. You end up with a distance in the middle of the railroad, and that's exactly where the oil decides to make its exit.
Why More Thickness Solves the Issue
A set of thick sbc valve cover gaskets , usually around 5/16" or also 3/8", offers you the lot more "squish" factor. That additional material can absorb the irregularities of a tweaked valve cover. Instead of trying to force the metal to end up being flat, you're using the gasket to fill the voids. It acts as a cushion that contours to the bended form of the flange, developing a much better seal than the usual paper-thin piece of cork ever could.
Solving the Rocker Arm Clearance Head ache
One of the biggest reasons people hunt for thick sbc valve cover gaskets isn't even regarding leaks—it's about distance. If you've improved your valvetrain in order to include full tool rockers, you might have noticed a very annoying "clacking" sound the first time you fired up. That's the audio of your expensive rockers striking the underside of your valve addresses.
Now, you could go out and buy some "tall" valve covers, but that brings its own place of problems. Sometimes tall covers strike the power brake booster, or they will interfere with the particular intake manifold or the alternator bracket. It's a domino effect of disappointment.
The "Hidden" Lift Kit for the Covers
Utilizing a 5/16" or heavier gasket acts like a shim. It's fundamentally a cheap raise kit for your valve covers. Frequently, that extra eighth of an inch is all you need to get the clearance required intended for those beefy light weight aluminum roller rockers in order to swing freely with out chewing through your own valve covers. This keeps the stock look (if that's what you're heading for) while permitting for modern performance parts underneath.
Choosing the Ideal Material
Not all thick gaskets are created similar. In the day, cork was your only game in town. Today, we've got options that would make a good old-school racer's head spin.
- Cork-Rubber Composites: These are a step up through plain cork. They don't get because brittle, and they will handle heat process a little better. They're perfect for sealing upward uneven surfaces since they compress nicely.
- Molded Silicone and Rubber: These types of are often recylable, which is a huge plus in case you're somebody who likes to pull your own covers off frequently to check lash or simply poke about. They usually have a rigid core therefore they don't "suck in" or blow out under pressure.
- Steel-Core Gaskets: These types of are the gold standard for most contractors. It's basically a sandwich: a layer of rubber or foam, a metal shim in the middle, and another layer of rubber. The metal core prevents a person from over-compressing the particular gasket and ensures it stays put.
Does Brand Really Matter?
Honestly, you don't always have to buy the most costly name-brand option, but you do wish to avoid the ultra-cheap "no-name" stuff that feels like it's made of reused tires. A good quality gasket can feel firm yet have some provide to it. If it feels such as plastic right out of the container, it's probably going to leak the particular moment it will get hot.
Suggestions for a Leak free Installation
Even the best thick sbc valve cover gaskets will fail if you install them poorly. I've seen guys place an attractive set of gaskets on plus then ruin them in five minutes because they were in the rush.
Surface area Prep is Almost everything
I understand it's a pain, but you have to get every last bit of the aged gasket off. Make use of a plastic scraper so you don't gouge the mind surface. Once the particular old gunk is usually gone, wipe both cylinder head plus the valve cover rail down along with some brake solution or lacquer slimmer. You want these surfaces bone-dry and free of oil. In case there's oil on the surface once you put the seal down, it's heading to slide around like a bar of soap.
To RTV or Not to RTV?
This is the particular great debate in every garage. Individually, with a high-quality thick gasket, I actually stay away from using a ton of RTV silicone. If you do make use of it, just place a tiny dab within the corners or even utilize it to tack the gasket to the valve cover itself so it doesn't fall off whilst you're looking to range up the bolts. Don't go insane and "butter" the whole gasket. Too very much silicone can really cause the gasket to squirt out of place whenever you tighten the bolts.
Use Load Spreaders
If you're staying with stamped metal covers, do yourself a favor and get a collection of load spreaders (sometimes called "mini tabs"). These are usually little metal bars that sit under the bolt mind. They help disperse the pressure of the bolt across a few inches of the valve cover train rather than just one small point. Paired along with thick sbc valve cover gaskets , this is the best setup for avoiding leaks on the budget.
Wrapping It Up
At the finish of the day time, working on a Small Block Chevy ought to be fun, not a constant battle towards gravity and essential oil. Upgrading to a set of thick sbc valve cover gaskets any of those small, inexpensive moves that makes life a whole lot simpler. Whether you're trying to clear the set of high-performance rockers or you're just tired associated with your engine cigarette smoking every time the drop of essential oil hits the wear out, and take note thickness will go a considerable ways.
Next time you're in the parts table or browsing on the web, skip the flimsy paper gaskets. Grab the thick ones, take your period with all the install, plus enjoy a dried out engine bay with regard to a change. Your own driveway—and your sanity—will thank you.