351 Ckeveland Valve Cover Gasket

[Stang72]

Hi Guys

I need to look at replacing my left hand side valve cover gasket as it looks like it has perished (possible over tightening)

What would be the best gasket to use and do I need any RTV sealant?

I have the original Powered by Ford Steel Valve Covers.

Thanks

Dan

[GEOFF289]

Mine is a Windsor but I put some Felpro on mine recently to address a leak. Like these.

https://www.totalperformance.net.au/ford-v8-cleveland-rubber-valve-cover-gaskets-pair

So much better than the old ones I had. You don't need and shouldn't use any sealant on valve cover gaskets.

[Stang72]

Mine is a Windsor but I put some Felpro on mine recently to address a leak. Like these.

https://www.totalperformance.net.au/ford-v8-cleveland-rubber-valve-cover-gaskets-pair

So much better than the old ones I had. You don't need and shouldn't use and sealant on valve cover gaskets.

Thanks Geoff for the quick response and the link 👍

Would I need to use glue for the gasket to the valve cover?

[GEOFF289]

I didn't use any glue to hold things in place until I got the bolts in.

What I did do, and have in the past, is use a few short bits of threaded rod in the heads to hold the gasket in place and line up the covers. You don't need a rod in every hole, maybe three or four of the holes. Then put the bolts in the other holes, do them up hand tight, take the threaded rod out of the other holes and put the bolts in, then do them all up to the appropriate torque.

One day I think I'll replace the bolts with studs and nuts which will do the same job.