Aggravating valve cover oil leaks

[bull]

Is there a better valve cover gasket than these cork gaskets I have? Every time I run the engine I get puddles of oil under the car. Granted, the puddles are getting smaller because I've tightened the snot out of them probably five times. Still, each time I tighten them down and let them sit a while I can almost go right back and tighten them again the same amount. It's as if they compress to a point, relax, and then let the oil leak before I tighten them again. It's driving me up the wall.

[JB400]

Have you tried a neoprene rubber gasket?  Might check to make sure your valve covers aren't warped as well.

[doctor4766]

Bull, I was advised to use marine gaskets when my 383 was leaking. Those and using studs (instead of bolts) in the heads to locate the gasket more precisely have worked well for me.

[polywideblock]

do you have "chrome covers" if so check their not warped mine needed standing on to get them flat ,they were twisted lengthwise

[b5blue]

I got silicone ones off eBay. (From Rick E.) I'm going to use them with my Cal-Custom finned valve covers when install Smith Bros. adjustable push rods. 

[Cooter]

Stock iron heads will take forever to seal. ANY Gasket will leak to some point, no matter what you hear.

[MrSnicks]

I like the steel-core rubber gaskets, and use them. They are pretty forgiving if things aren't 100% flat.

Patrick

[Brass]

Over-tightening can distort the bolt eyelets and cause leaks.  I would take a look at those surface areas.  They may need to be tapped flat.

[tan top]

Over-tightening can distort the bolt eyelets and cause leaks.  I would take a look at those surface areas.  They may need to be tapped flat.

thats true

 use to always use sealer with cork , other wise would eventually leak ,    been using felpro black rubber type since i put the motor together when doing the resto , these have been on & off loads changing cams , heads etc a number of times since , all i do is wipe gasket & sealing surfaces with lacquer thinner every time  & bolt them down  , zero leaks so far  

[71 SE3834V]

I used the Fel Pro #VS 50145 R on my 383 w/mopar chrome covers in 2011. It's the rubber coated fiber type. Well, just did the pass. side since the dr. side isn't leaking. Yeah, make sure the flanges are straight and holes flattened.

[Back N Black]

I had the same issue, changed gaskets 4 times. What worked for me was the cork gaskets with red RTV silicone.

[1970Moparmann]

I had a pesky leak that wouldn't go away.  Did the cork/sealant at least 3x.  I got a recommendation to use the below, and haven't had an issue.  You definitely pay for them, but I still have cleaning to do from before.  I plan on running these moving forward-

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mor-93055/overview/

[resq302]

Ive used the Indian Head Gasket compound on both sides of the rubber/cork gasket and have also used the blue loctite on the bolts and nuts.  So far, it has not leaked.  However, they are a major PITA to get the valve covers off. 

[bill440rt]

I used the Fel-Pro black rubber/core ones on mine with chrome covers.
Sealed them with Right Stuff black sealer. No leaks.

Also have the MP orange neoprene ones with fabbed aluminum covers with no sealant, no leaks so far.

[johnnycharger]

what side do you put sealant on? head, valve cover or both? 

[resq302]

for me, I put it on both sides.

[bull]

I have stock valve covers and heads. I can't say the valve covers aren't warped but the tops of the heads were milled to help avoid this issue. Obviously it doesn't matter if only one surface is flat though. Looks like I've got several good ideas to try from the advice above. I believe the gaskets I have are the basic FelPro corkers so I could stand an upgrade. Thanks.