A little over 2K on the new build and I'm noticing oil leaks on either side of the motor - that I figure can only be the valve covers. Can't have it! Ordered a new plenum and valve cover gaskets.

I applied a small bead of sealant to the gaskets when I installed them not that long ago. Maybe I overtightened?

Any tips or tricks you all can share to avoid this? Maybe a particular brand of gasket is better than the rest?

Thanks,

 

I'd check and make sure the bolts haven't loosened up.

 

bolts loosen up pretty often. other options is to do the Fram PCV mod to get better engine pressure flow if you haven't done that yet. it's a quick swap. 30 minutes max.

 

As others have mentioned, check the bolts first. You will need an 8mm (I think), 1/4" drive, 12pt socket.

 

It's also worth mentioning that you have to work slowly when you install these. I did mine with the plenum and SAI off and it was easy to see the gasket start bulging out in areas when I began tightening the bolts. It lives in a groove and needs to be perfectly seated so it stays there when you tighten the bolts. The passenger side took me four or five tries, each time pulling the cover back off and reseating the gasket. Tighten each bolt a little bit and work your way around until they're all tight. If you see black start to poke out, start over.

 

I like to use a little blue loctite on the VC bolts. For valve covers and oil pans, also a big fan of cork gaskets. You can look up a '63 Buick Wildcat with the 215 and find the correct Fel-Pro gasket for about $10/ea. Make sure the mating surface is nice and clean on the heads and valve covers. The cork almost glues itself to the surfaces.

 

May give this a try…

 

I did put a dab of blue lock tight on them - but I’ll check before pulling the plenum off.

 

Thanks. Got that mod already. I’ll disconnect the hose from the valve cover and blow on it to make sure it opens.

 

I installed the valve covers before the plenum and SAI Y pipes to make sure the groove stayed put. Starting to think I overnighted the bolts.