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Valve Cover

K

kcfalcon2000

New member
I am trying to find a good replacement for the Cheap plastic valve covers that leak oil. AAP and Orlys have some but none in stock and they do not have much on info.

I have already had the gasket replace years ago, before the recall came out. GM did refund some of my cost, not the full amount because I did not go to GM dealer shop.
 


Just b/c they are plastic that doesn't make them leak. Unless they are cracked...or bad gaskets.

I have ran my stock ones for 80k without an issue.
 
I have over 160k on mine. I replaced the gaskets at 60 k. From what I have read the plastic ones will warp. I guess maybe its just time to replace the gaskets again!?
 
There's aluminum ones out there for a small fortune. Never ever heard of anyone complain about the plastic/fiberglass ones (they're some kind of compound, right?).
 


You can also add a DAB of RTV on the sides of the VC just to make sure the gasket doesn't move around during re-install.
 


I've never personally done it...but I've never had VC leaking issues. I have however done it on every car I've worked on...
 
GM has a recall out on them. The front one seeps oil and it drips right onto the exhaust manifold and can cause a fire. It also smells bad!! which is how I know it is leaking again.

I am not finding the FelPro VC gasket available for this car(00 GTP), I checked their website.

I will replace the gasket and dab with rtv, defntly cheaper that the cover. THanks all.
 
Something that is commonly overlooked when doing a VC gasket is the grommets. I am pretty sure the part number blue gave you is the with grommet number.

The gasket will and can do it's job for a long time if replaced properly. The grommet is integral because the bolts have sleeves on them to keep them from being over torqued. From there the grommet is used to keep pressure on the gasket. Without a good grommet, it's likely you don't have the proper pressure holding down the cover and ensuring the gasket seals.

Clean the head well, (I've only needed RTV once or twice and would suggest only using a dab is required to hold the gasket) clean the valve cover channel and ensure you replace the grommets. :th_thumbsup-wink:
 
If you're looking for non-plastic valve covers, could try the aluminum ones GM used on the 3800 mid-late 90's F-bodies. You loose the fancy plug wire holder (but there are other answers to that). I have a pair I plan to put on the Monte come spring.
 


TheManiac said:
If you're looking for non-plastic valve covers, could try the aluminum ones GM used on the 3800 mid-late 90's F-bodies. You loose the fancy plug wire holder (but there are other answers to that). I have a pair I plan to put on the Monte come spring.
Click to expand...

The F body ones are great to use on an NA motor. Being that this topic is in the SC'd area, it's good to note that the VC's are different from NA to SC and not interchangable.

(Hope that doesn't mess with your plan in the spring)
 
BillBoost37 said:
The F body ones are great to use on an NA motor. Being that this topic is in the SC'd area, it's good to note that the VC's are different from NA to SC and not interchangable.

(Hope that doesn't mess with your plan in the spring)
Click to expand...

Interesting, I did not know the SC and N/A valve covers were different. Luckily, I have an N/A 3800 so the F-body valve covers will work perfect for me.
Thanks for the info, I will have to keep that in mind!
 
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