360 valve cover gasket replacement

Studini
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360 valve cover gasket replacement

Post by Studini »

Just got 32’ Fisherman and know the valve covers are leaking oil. Can the covers be removed and gaskets replaced without removing exhaust manifolds? It looks tight...

Also do you suggest cork or rubber and where would you get them from?

Thanks in advance for the help!!
88 32’ Fisherman
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Fastjeff
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Re: 360 valve cover gasket replacement

Post by Fastjeff »

It can be done, but you'll need magnetic inserts in the socket to keep the bolts out of the bilge. Cork tends to compress and need retightening compared to rubber (which I prefer).

Jeff
"We live at the bottom of an ocean of air, not at the top." General Marvage Slatington
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Busia
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Re: 360 valve cover gasket replacement

Post by Busia »

Tighten them up first and see if they stop leaking. Everyone thinks they leak all the time, but a lot of times the oil is not from there. There is no oil pressure there so it doesn't take much to seal them.
BUSIA
located in Ketchikan, Alaska. Gods country
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EWRice
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Re: 360 valve cover gasket replacement

Post by EWRice »

Most manifolds will allow you to remove the valve covers but you will need a 1/4" drive ratchet, 6" extension, and either a short 7/16 socket with a universal or a 7/16 wobble socket.

Do try and tighten them first, but if they are cork they will leak again.

Felpro makes a marine specific gasket for these that if installed properly WILL NOT LEAK and the bolts will not loosen. It is a black rubberized felt material. I don't have the part number now but that is what I would use.
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1972 32' Express flybridge
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Studini
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Re: 360 valve cover gasket replacement

Post by Studini »

Thanks!! I did have the engines surveyed and the said the leak was coming from the covers so I’ll try to tighten first
88 32’ Fisherman
“Get Busy Livin”
Twin 360’s
Fairport Harbor, Ohio
Fastjeff
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Re: 360 valve cover gasket replacement

Post by Fastjeff »

Don't go nuts tightening those bolts! A quarter turn or less only or you can distort the metal cover.

Note that cork gaskets tend to crack over time and create a leak path.

Jeff
"We live at the bottom of an ocean of air, not at the top." General Marvage Slatington
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Re: 360 valve cover gasket replacement

Post by Studini »

So what's everyone's thoughts on Blue Devil Oil Stop leak? Thinking about trying it for the valve cover leak??
88 32’ Fisherman
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javalin390
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Re: 360 valve cover gasket replacement

Post by javalin390 »

Never been a big fan of all of the wacky additives that are supposed to solve every engine ailment under the sun. Personally, as a professional mechanic, I never use them. I'd much rather fix the problem, as I've have seen many of these additives either 1) not fix the problem at all, 2)make it worse or 3)cause a new second problem. I have seen some additives actually cause internal engine damage. The engines in mine (she has Chrysler 360's) use the rubber/steel backed type and they do not leak if properly installed. https://www.summitracing.com/compare
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Studini
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Re: 360 valve cover gasket replacement

Post by Studini »

Yea I'm probably going to do it the "right" way but those exhaust manifolds scare me and it looks like it can be a big project..

Motorhead your link did not work. Can you share again??
88 32’ Fisherman
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Re: 360 valve cover gasket replacement

Post by jralbert »

All the intelligent articles I've seen over the years downplay the effectiveness of those additives for the reason the other poster just put up. Their main benefit is to the company that makes them. People buy them because they promise an easy way out.
-joel-
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