2.9 Valve cover question

[Lonesome7.3]

While I am at it, I also have a valve cover question for my 87 2.9. I know they are prone to leak. I have read the tech articles and have taken all the steps I know to take. I used the higher quality FelPro gasket, retorqued the bolts after about 100 miles, and made sure the lip was straight when I reinstalled them. Yet, the damn things still leak. What did I forget?

 

[dirtyoldman]

Have you checked the sealing surface on the head itself? May be a little piece of metal missing

 

[Lonesome7.3]

I did, however, I did not put a straight edge on it.

 

[That Crazy Squirrel]

Use this instead of the regular gaskets.

That shit was "The Bomb" back when I had my shop. We used it for tranny pans and valves covers, and never had a single one come back because of leaking.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

I had not tried that stuff before. Thanks.

 

[That Crazy Squirrel]

When you use that stuff, don't overtighten the bolts. If you torque 'em to "factory" right away it'll squeeze it all out. What we used to do, we'd put the stuff on the pan or cover, let it set for a few minutes, then carefully put the pan or cover on and put in the screws finger tight, then go have a cup of coffee. When you come back, go ahead and torque it down and you should be perfect.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

the bad part is I have to take the damn things off again. But if that will fix it I'll do it.