Valve Cover Gaskets

[atthebeach]

In the links below, it looks like I have a choice on Amazon between skinny rubber valve cover gaskets and a wider gasket style. I haven't pulled the covers off yet, so I don't know what came from the factory. Should I have a preference for one over another? What do you guys recommend?

The last time I bothered to change a valve cover gasket it was made out of cork.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C2EGEC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C2EGU6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[rlitman]

I would expect that the wide one is to fit a sheet metal cover with a flat mating surface, while the skinny one is to fit into a groove in a cast cover.

What do your covers look like?

 

[atthebeach]

Sheetmetal.

 

[SteveH-CO]

I would buy the most expensive gasket you can find, and a reusable one if possible. I agree that you should buy whichever one most closely matches your cover profile.

I have re-used a FelPro 'reusable' oil pan gasket on an SB Chevy and I was impressed - it really worked.

 

[four.cycle]

the "R" suffix on a Fel-Pro part number indicates "rubber".
"C" suffix = cork

(although checking a set for a SB chev shows an "AC" = "blue line" cork)

looks like you're looking at gaskets for two entirely different applications.

 

[4 FN 27]

I prefer the metal core with rubber coating. I have used these for years on Big Block Chevys. Reusable and they have "buttons" for a lack of better words to keep you from over tightening. They work best with either cast or billet "covers". Sheet metal stamped "covers" are not flat enough or do not stay flat when tightened.

The only issue is if we CNC'ed the heads with a valve angle that caused valve spring to interfere with the edge of the gasket. Trimming was necessary.

 

[d.mcfarland]

The rubber ones often require being retightened after some amount of time. I'm not sure any details so don't kill the messenger, but I know that Fel-Pro recommended it because the heat would do something to the rubber maybe?