valve cover gaskets...

[Graham]

cork or rubber?

[bigswede]

I prefer cork, Put mine on a year ago,no leaks yet! Get fel-pro brand if ya can.

[Rayos-x]

Mine has the Fel-Pro cork ones, and they're not working too well. I didn't put them in, so it's possible the dude didn't ding the bolt holes back out again when he did, but it leaks like a... well, never mind what but the burning oil stinks. Got some new Napa ones to put on, but that's a later-on project.

[fobrnno]

used felpro part# VS50312T they cost a bit more then the rubber ones ,but they did a better job sealing for me then the cork and rubber ones
thanks james :beer:

[Graham]

thankya

[AllanD]

Well...

I used to use Cork "dressed" with Loctite anerobic sealant (518)

But I've found a better way...

I now use no gasket at all, I got a set of the '89-on Valve covers
with the upturned lip (junkyard item) and I use Ford Grey silicone rubber sealant applied directly to the valvecover.

2000 miles and no leaks.

AllanD

[LilBronc]

Aren't you worried about the Ford Grey getting down to the oil pump pick-up, plugging it up, and ruining the pump? I had this happen to my 89 2.3. Just a thought. It will become brittle and break-up over time.

[2wd Ranger]

Actually, that's a good point. I have the regular cork style gaskets and I honestly beleive that the valve covers would seal better WITHOUT them!!! Once you hit about 3000 rpm, they mind as well not even be in there cause they leak so badly. It's downright terrible, but I just got another daily driver car so my Ranger's off the road and getting some "mods" :alx:

I've used rubber in the past and I've liked them, plus for the first while if the valve covers need to come off, they're reusable. ciao

[BroncoRick]

I use blue silicon on mine.
If you keep it light and on the outside edge of the covers you shouldn't have to worry about it getting in the motor.

On my 89 I used cork and a very light layer of blue silicon to hold it on the cover then installed the covers (with silicon adhered gaskets) and have had no leaks but it has only been run for a short time as of now.

You may also want to check the lower intake gaskets.
When I bought my 89 I had oil all over the rear of the motor and thought that the rear main was leaking but after porting and polishing the intakes and heads and putting them back on there is no longer any oil anywhere.

[bsumner]

i've never tried the rubber.

the corks work for awhile then get hard and leak.

supposedly fel-pro has a new gasket out that is part rubber, part cork. they are pretty neat looking, i saw one for a chevy engine one day. i'd try and find that style, its supposed to be the newest best one. only costs a few bucks more than the regular ones too.