Valve cover ?

Hi:

I have a 79 cj5 w/a 258. Currently I have the steel VC which leaks. I have replaced the gasket and it still leaks. Someone had over tourqed this at some point. Does anyone know where I can get a alum VC from? I checked a few of the online places but a 1979 does not come up.Only in steel. Usually 81-86 for the alum

Thanks!
R-

 

not sure on the Aluminium VC but a trick to tweaking the old one is to flip it over, and set the flange on a socket just larger than the bolt hole. Then use the round end of a ball peen hammer to, ever so slightly, tap the area around the hole slightly concave.
Then when you flip it back over, the holes actually stick up just a tiny bit, and you will get better clamping force on the gasket.

 

Thanks for the info. Have you used anyone in particluar for a replacement?

R-

 

Leaky valve cover is very common for AMC 6s. Mine leaks (consider it rust prevention).

The 81-86 covers are replacements for the much leakier plastic (yes, plastic) valve covers used in that period. The steel covers are ok if you flatten the (distorted by overtightening) flange and don't overtighten - repeat - don't overtighten. Use a rubber gasket and a little silicone, like the blue Permatex stuff. The rubber gasket can be reused if you lightly oil the head surface so the silicone doesn't stick. Don't overtighten.

You can get a chrome steel cover from American Performance, if you want bling.

 

Thanks! Is there a big diff from a 79 to and 81? I aee a lot of VC for 81 an up very little options for a 79??

Will the rubber gasket make a diff? I currently have a cork one?

Is American Perormance a retail outlet or a manu?

Thanks again for the help!

 

The 258 was reworked in 1981 to make it lighter. The plastic cover was part of the changes. AFAIK there are no tapped holes around the perimeter of an OEM plastic cover - the holddowns are at the top of the cover (middle of the head) and the edge just sits on the head surface. A terrible design. To install the aluminum replacement cover (for a plastic cover), you need to drill and tap holes in the head for the holddown bolts. Very different.

Yes, the rubber gasket will work better. Felpro sells them.

http://www.oldcarparts.com/

 

Thanks for the great link. I live a couple of hours from thier store..

For the record I have changed VC gaskest before, never on a jeep.... As for the permatex, would you use it on both sides of the gasket?

thanx,
R-

 

Yes, but don't go wild. You don't need much on the head side if it's clean and flat.

 

When I did mine I used cork and put blue permatex on the cover and on the head and sandwhiched the cork gasket in between. Does not leak but I hope I never have to remove it...Next time I will use the rubber garsket. I didn't think you needed any silicone with the rubber one.

 

Mmm. I've never tried it without RTV, so that may be true. Maybe with a new valve cover...

<edit> The Jeep mechanics used sealant and the factory rubber gaskets, FWIW. No sealant from the factory though, and they leaked.

 

Thnx again!!!
R-

 

Thanks!
R-

 

i've been pretty lucky with the yellow stuff in a can. i cant remember the proper name for it, but in the shop we call it gorilla snot. i applied it on the v/c and cork gasket, let it dry and then stick it together. so far no leaks.

 

I've only seen that in tubes, if we're referring to the same stuff. 3M 8001 Weatherstrip Cement. I had thought that stuff was slightly soluble in oil, but the 3M website says it can be used as gasket cement. I'd prefer silicone since the 8001 sticks really well but may not fill voids well. I don't think you need a strong cement if you don't overtighten. The rubber gaskets fit well, and won't squirt out of the joint if you just tighten enough to slightly squeeze out the silicone.

 

i beleive we are talking about the same stuff, only reason i like it is the fact that it holds the gasket in place while your installing it. makes it easier specially for cork gsk

 

Hi, I had a terrible time sealing my 78' valve cover. Same thing, slightly bent and stamped steel. I finally got it to seal with the 7/32" thick option with no RTV. If there is any oil anywhere it will leak if you use RTV. I used it the first couple times, and I cleaned it perfectly I thought. My opinion would be to get the thick gasket with no RTV. Rob