So recently i replaced the valve cover gaskets on my 84 regal. Came to a situation that lead me to using the right stuff to seal . What size engine's valve covers has 5 bolt holes? (2 up top. 3 on bottom) Engine is from an 87 oldsmobile custom cruiser(what i was told).
Valve covers issue
- Thread starter Jay520
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It's more than likely a 307. Get the casting numbers off the block. They're on the flat next to the oil fill tube, behind the water pump, last digit is large.
The Right Stuff works or the new Optimum Black or the best the Optimum Grey RTV all can seal without gaskets. All the valve cover gaskets will have 10 holes but will fit your 5 hole covers. The gaskets are the same 260 through 455. The rubber with the metal center are the best. Rocket Racing, where I bought mine and Ebay vendors also carry them.
I've always tried to use gaskets under the valve covers if feasible. But I've had good luck both ways. Just never over-torque and tweak the cover and you should be alright. If the engine is an 87, it's a 307. The factory RTV they use to seal the cover on cracks over time causing numerous oil leaks on the engine. PITA. It just wasn't meant to last 33-40 years and all those heat cycles.
If you're using gasket maker sealer, the CSM recommends a 1/4" (6mm) bead of RTV sealer GE1673 or equivalent. Old GM p/n 1052915. Superseded number to 12378521. I concur with the Permatex Optimum recommendation (I prefer black). The black a bit flexible and is good to 500 degrees F and claims the best oil resistance. The gray is more rigid but stays til 700 degrees F. If your valve covers reach 500 degrees F, your car is likely on fire so it won't matter at that point.
You can get the GM stuff at places like Amazon. I suspect it's the same as most all the gasket maker sealants out there like the Permatex brands. Usually that's who makes the stuff for GM anyway.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QIR5OA/?tag=gbody-20
If you're using gasket maker sealer, the CSM recommends a 1/4" (6mm) bead of RTV sealer GE1673 or equivalent. Old GM p/n 1052915. Superseded number to 12378521. I concur with the Permatex Optimum recommendation (I prefer black). The black a bit flexible and is good to 500 degrees F and claims the best oil resistance. The gray is more rigid but stays til 700 degrees F. If your valve covers reach 500 degrees F, your car is likely on fire so it won't matter at that point.
You can get the GM stuff at places like Amazon. I suspect it's the same as most all the gasket maker sealants out there like the Permatex brands. Usually that's who makes the stuff for GM anyway.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QIR5OA/?tag=gbody-20
I assume the GM stuff is a robust sealer? I know the Ford stuff was basically The Right Stuff with their label. Yeah the Optimum Grey is very rigid, the Optimum Black may be more ideal with a cork valve cover gasket. I wish they would start making the Optimum in large enough tubes to use a caulking gun.
Caulk gun? The old p/n sealant 1052915 came in that size. I guess for the techs to not keep running out. Yeah, the crap is a bit expensive when you figure how much you need to use. As much sealer instead of gasket uses they did, I'm surprised it didn't come in 55 gallon drums with a pump on it.
Honestly, I think Permatex made EVERYONE's sealer. It just had to meet GE1673 specs, whatever those were. I'm sure even the cheesiest sealers today are at least as good as the old crap they put the engines together with.
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