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360 valve cover gasket replacement

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2018 5:56 pm
by Studini
Just got 32’ Fisherman and know the valve covers are leaking oil. Can the covers be removed and gaskets replaced without removing exhaust manifolds? It looks tight...

Also do you suggest cork or rubber and where would you get them from?

Thanks in advance for the help!!

Re: 360 valve cover gasket replacement

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2018 7:17 pm
by Fastjeff
It can be done, but you'll need magnetic inserts in the socket to keep the bolts out of the bilge. Cork tends to compress and need retightening compared to rubber (which I prefer).

Jeff

Re: 360 valve cover gasket replacement

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2018 10:16 pm
by Busia
Tighten them up first and see if they stop leaking. Everyone thinks they leak all the time, but a lot of times the oil is not from there. There is no oil pressure there so it doesn't take much to seal them.

Re: 360 valve cover gasket replacement

Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2018 1:34 pm
by EWRice
Most manifolds will allow you to remove the valve covers but you will need a 1/4" drive ratchet, 6" extension, and either a short 7/16 socket with a universal or a 7/16 wobble socket.

Do try and tighten them first, but if they are cork they will leak again.

Felpro makes a marine specific gasket for these that if installed properly WILL NOT LEAK and the bolts will not loosen. It is a black rubberized felt material. I don't have the part number now but that is what I would use.

Re: 360 valve cover gasket replacement

Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2018 4:55 am
by Studini
Thanks!! I did have the engines surveyed and the said the leak was coming from the covers so I’ll try to tighten first

Re: 360 valve cover gasket replacement

Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2018 7:03 am
by Fastjeff
Don't go nuts tightening those bolts! A quarter turn or less only or you can distort the metal cover.

Note that cork gaskets tend to crack over time and create a leak path.

Jeff

Re: 360 valve cover gasket replacement

Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2019 6:43 pm
by Studini
So what's everyone's thoughts on Blue Devil Oil Stop leak? Thinking about trying it for the valve cover leak??

Re: 360 valve cover gasket replacement

Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2019 7:06 pm
by javalin390
Never been a big fan of all of the wacky additives that are supposed to solve every engine ailment under the sun. Personally, as a professional mechanic, I never use them. I'd much rather fix the problem, as I've have seen many of these additives either 1) not fix the problem at all, 2)make it worse or 3)cause a new second problem. I have seen some additives actually cause internal engine damage. The engines in mine (she has Chrysler 360's) use the rubber/steel backed type and they do not leak if properly installed. https://www.summitracing.com/compare

Re: 360 valve cover gasket replacement

Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2019 7:37 pm
by Studini
Yea I'm probably going to do it the "right" way but those exhaust manifolds scare me and it looks like it can be a big project..

Motorhead your link did not work. Can you share again??

Re: 360 valve cover gasket replacement

Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2019 9:01 pm
by jralbert
All the intelligent articles I've seen over the years downplay the effectiveness of those additives for the reason the other poster just put up. Their main benefit is to the company that makes them. People buy them because they promise an easy way out.