Chrome 351W Valve Covers Leak!
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Engine Repair
Forum Discription: Engine problems and solutions
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=651
Printed Date: November-22-2024 at 4:45am
Topic: Chrome 351W Valve Covers Leak!
Posted By: Tranner
Subject: Chrome 351W Valve Covers Leak!
Date Posted: July-21-2004 at 8:02pm
|
Does anyone have any special tricks for the aftermarket chrome valve covers on the 351 Windsor? Mine continue to leak. I've tried everything to fix them but they just leak and leak and leak oil.
|
Replies:
Posted By: 64 Skier
Date Posted: July-22-2004 at 5:37am
Are they the sheet metal covers? If so, overtorquing the bolts warps the metal and the leak is worse.
If they are warped and sheet metal, let me know, we can fix them without $'s.
-------------
64 Skier
66" HO VTX and 67" HO Triumph
http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1071&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1971&yrend=1975 - 71CC
|
Posted By: 79nautique
Date Posted: July-22-2004 at 1:00pm
I use hold-down tabs on mine and have no leaks. The tabs spread out the load and seal much better. I bought two different styles one long and one short, the short ones are for the corners and the long one are used everywhere else.
-------------
http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=756&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1979&yrend=1979 - 79 nautique
|
Posted By: AWhite70
Date Posted: July-22-2004 at 3:39pm
I use aluminum covers because I've never found a stamped steel cover that doesn't leak. I also use a steel core rubber gasket instead of cork.
This joint is very sensitive to torque as well, overtorque and you're sure to have a leak.
|
Posted By: Tranner
Date Posted: July-22-2004 at 4:11pm
Thanks for all of the replies. Yep, I probably over torqued them. Is there a specific torque rating I should be using?
As for the gaskets, I've been told to use cork but if everyone agrees that rubber is better, I'll go that route.
|
Posted By: David F
Date Posted: July-22-2004 at 5:29pm
|
If you over torqued the sheel metal covers, then you must remove the covers and use a ball-peen hammer to flatten out the bolt holes. Go ahead and make the hole convex when viewed from the top. Buy the load spreaders or make your own, but just tighten the bolts snug (guessing, but no more than 6 ft-lbs). Cork gaskets will work fine. Glue the gasket to the valve cover with weatherstrip adhesive to prevent the gasket from shifting and causing a leak.
|
Posted By: AWhite70
Date Posted: July-23-2004 at 10:48am
|
Going on memory I believe the torque spec. is 3-5 lbft. It isn't much, and is very easy to over do.
|
|