valve covers

[69chargerchh]

I had my 383 engine rebuilt and painted recently. I purchased a set of MOPAR Performance cast aluminum valve covers and had them put on. The valve covers are leaking and we haven't been successful at stopping the leak, despite using different types of gaskets. My question is ' Is there a way to make these work'? I had a pair of chrome ones on the engine when i bought it and they leaked also. If i want the leaking to stop, do i have to put on the standard stock valve covers?

[41husk]

Try a cork gasket or even double gasket.

[Charger-Bodie]

check to see if there are any nicks in the surface of the head

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Unfortunately leaking valvecovers are inherant to BB Mopars.  Look at the surface of the head....all rounded off & pitted.  not the best sealing surface.  I know some that have had this surface machined flat to get a better seal.   If not its just trial & error on finding the right combo of gaskets & sealants

[Rolling_Thunder]

I use some stuff call "The Right Stuff" and glue the gaskets to the valve covers...    i then use studs with nuts...     gaskets: Fel-Pro VS 501 45 R

[Runner]

edelbrock heads should fix that problem.  j/k     ive had good luck with the metal core felpro gaskets and i like to use arp studes and 12 point nuts.

[resq302]

I've had good luck with Indian head gasket compound.  Its messy but if you are carefull and put just enough on, it works like a charm.  I am also running factory cork gaskets.  So far, no leaks.  One waning, it is a major pain to get the old gaskets off or even remove the valve covers once you use the Indian Head gasket compound.  But for as much as I need to remove them, I will settle for that vs. it leaking all the time.

[Plumcrazy]

Check to make sure the intake manifold is not keeping the valve covers from clamping down tightly against the head.  Look at the old gasket to see if there are any areas where the gasket doesn't look like it was compressed.

[Silver R/T]

I like to use sealant on all the gaskets, it works