Valve cover

Hello All:

Well got the thing going after 8 years. The valve cover leaks like a sieve. I used a cork gasket and had to use the original valve cover for my 1974 cj-5 i-258. I originally tried to get one of those nice cast aluminum covers but it could not find one for that year. Is there any difference from the later models. If so where can i get a solid aftermarket valve cover for a 74. Or some kind of hero gasket ??????? or should I just goop the crap out of it.

THX
Dave

 

Are your bolt holes dimpled in ? Usually they are and you can tap them back into shape with a ball peen hammer and a block of wood.

 

Don't goop the crap out of it.

Take the original valve cover and flatten/straighten the sealing surface. The bolt holes can't be caved in, either.

Use some gasket adhesive to fix the new cork gasket to the valve cover. Bolt that assembly down dry to the clean and dry head. Use some new flanged-head bolts.
TORQUE TO SPEC.!
The cork will absorb oil and seal completely.

The reason the later cast valve covers don't fit is that they have like twice as many bolts holding it on. I think you can get one to interchange if you drill and tap the head for the extra bolts.

 

I've never heard of the later covers interchanging... but I suppose it's possible.

Clifford Research sold an aluminum cover for the early AMC 6s - appears to be discontinued. Check on eBay if you really really want one.

As mentioned, these covers bend when they are over-torqued. Very, very common ... the cover leaks, so the mechanic torques down the bolts, and the cover leaks more. Get your little ball peen hammer and a dolly and make the cover straight. Then go easy on tightening the bolts. The spec is 50 inch-lb (4.2 ft-lb), which is only nut-driver tight. You probably can't even set your torque wrench that low, unless you have a 1/4" torque wrench. Don't overtighten!

 

The later heads are shaped differently on the sealing surface with the valve cover and the covers wont interchange.

 

Thank You guys:
I did straighten out the cover before I installed it as you mentioned, however I think I over torqued it and when it leaked I did exactly what Tim said,,,,,, I tightened it more and it leaked worse. I will straighten it up again and torque to spec and give that a go.
Think I will call clifford and ask them about that cover as well.
Thx for the input

Dave

 

You might try "The Right Stuff" on the gasket. I have not used it but a couple of the experienced guys here like it. I will get some when I run out of Ultra Black.
http://www.permatex.com/products/au...uto_Permatex_the_Right_Stuff_Gasket_Maker.htm

 

I called Clifford. They have not been able to receive any new valve covers however they do have some left in stock. It seems they have one for the 74 so I ordered it. They do not have any gaskets and do not anticipate getting any for a while.
I will get some of that stuff Tim it sounds like the right ticket.

THX
DAVE

 

I just used that Permatex product a couple weeks ago when I put my transfer case in. It works great, I didn't use a gasket with it and no leaks.

 

Outstanding ,,, I will try the stuff out next week when I get the new valve cover.