Moparts

superperformance valve cover gaskets

Posted By: mopar dave

superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/04/17 04:13 PM

anyone have trouble with your gaskets leaking. Mine are leaking real bad. using a sheet metal valve cover from hughes engines and the flanges look fine and should seal. gaskets are on dry. They are a hard gasket and i'm thinking maybe I need a rubber gasket, something more forgiving?
Posted By: GY3

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/04/17 04:18 PM

whistling
Posted By: roadhazard

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/04/17 04:27 PM

Never heard of "superperformance" but I'll give it a whirl....

"Flanges look fine", what does that mean?
Are they flat, have you checked them on a true flat surface?

What part number gasket are you using?

Are you using the 600.00 covers or the 200.00 covers?
Posted By: mopar dave

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/04/17 04:39 PM

$200 vc. I haven't checked the flange on the heads yet. I guess I shouldn't assume there ok. I did swat gaskets from side to side and the leak followed the gasket.
Posted By: roadhazard

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/04/17 05:05 PM

Well I can guarantee you that when the gaskets left here both of them were the same and 100% inspected prior to packaging.

Directly from Hughes website for those valve covers....
"Fabricated parts can vary slightly from piece to piece and may require some modification to obtain optimal fit and performance."

I'd be willing to wager this also means the gasket surface.

If the leak followed the gasket it was coincidence or there was previous compression or damage to the gasket.

My best suggestion is to check that they are truly flat and if you don't have that capability take them to someone who does, they may need a skim cut to get them right.

Otherwise you can wipe the gaskets down with a bit of lacquer thinner on a rag, apply a thin bead of Permatex Ultra Black to the valve cover to take up any void area's. Then assemble and just snug them down enough to disperse the sealant, allow to cure for 12-24 hours then go back and apply your full torque.

Oil on the gasket actually helps aid with removal and does not affect the gasket at all. You definitely don't want oil on the areas if/where you are using sealants.
Posted By: AndyF

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/04/17 05:10 PM

There are different gaskets for different applications, it isn't a one size fits all type of deal.

If you have an aluminum head with a smooth gasket rail and a good valve cover with a smooth rail then the gasket's job is easy. A lot of Mopar big block valve covers are built wrong with the rails in the wrong place. Those valve covers twist the gasket and it is hard to find a gasket that will survive.

It took me a few years of trial and error but I finally figured out how to eliminate valve cover leaks on a big block Mopar. The light bulb came on when I carefully measured the valve covers and the cylinder heads. Once I figured out that the parts didn't match I understood why I always had leaks.
Posted By: Azzkikrcuda

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/04/17 05:34 PM

Try these Moroso gaskets. Been using my set for 10 years, removing them once or twice a year, still no leaks. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mor-9...ASABEgIECvD_BwE
Posted By: Just-a-dart

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/04/17 05:51 PM

Dave are you using the pink gaskets or the black thicker gaskets?
Posted By: Triggerfish

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/04/17 05:52 PM

Originally Posted By Azzkikrcuda
Try these Moroso gaskets. Been using my set for 10 years, removing them once or twice a year, still no leaks. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mor-9...ASABEgIECvD_BwE


X2...
Posted By: mopar dave

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/04/17 06:21 PM

pink
Posted By: mopar dave

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/04/17 06:21 PM

ok, I will measure everything up better in a bit. thanks Andy
Posted By: WHITEDART

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/04/17 06:25 PM

Road hazard I'm a customer of yours I purchased my gaskets through Glendora Dodge... there's a desperate need for someone to make a soft valve cover gasket for a Mopar W8 as well as intake manifold gaskets... the W8 and W9 intake manifold gaskets are interchangeable I believe
Posted By: AndyF

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/04/17 08:37 PM

Originally Posted By mopar dave
pink


Pink would be MP-15 material (part number 3186) and those should work fine IF you have a really nice flat and rigid surface on both sides. That material doesn't work if the surfaces aren't flat. If the surfaces aren't flat then you need something with some compliance in it like the old black FelPro gaskets or the Moroso rubber ones.
Posted By: fast68plymouth

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/04/17 08:54 PM

I've had pretty good luck with the Fel-Pro 1612's when the pieces aren't perfect.
Posted By: mopar dave

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/05/17 01:09 AM

Thanks guys.
Posted By: Sxrxrnr

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/05/17 01:30 AM

Originally Posted By Azzkikrcuda
Try these Moroso gaskets. Been using my set for 10 years, removing them once or twice a year, still no leaks. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mor-9...ASABEgIECvD_BwE


Unfortunately my bad luck, exactly the one's I have recently used on my BB Edy aluminum head, MOPAR performance aluminum valve covers.

Both sides at rear bottom bolt seep no manner how tightly I cinch them and how often. It does seem that I can always get another half turn of the bolts as it appears this gasket has infinite crush capabilities.

Had switched from cork for re-usuability which had only leaked a very modest amount on right rear cover,,,which was corrected with a dab of silicone black at that point.

Moroso's, I have never removed but about to give them the silicone treatment,,,,but am uncertain if will do any good as they are now oil soaked.

If this fails, back to cork I go. Yes I suspect that valve cover machining may be questionable too and in that is where my Moroso problems lie. Particularly as others are having success.

Attached picture IMG_1350.JPG
Posted By: fast68plymouth

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/05/17 01:39 AM

The Fel-Pro 1612's work excellent for rpm heads and mp cast valve covers.

The big down side with them for me has been.......after they have been installed a while, when you remove the v/c, it usually tears the gasket, and you need to replace them.

I've had good results with the moroso gaskets on Indy heads using Indy v/c's, with studs and nylock nuts.
I squish them down a little and call it good.

I'm jealous of how clean that engine bay is!!!

Posted By: Sxrxrnr

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/05/17 01:47 AM

I believe I still have a single one of these Fel-Pros left in my shop. Fel-Pros were what I had used in cork and are inexpensive. My concern as noted was if reusable or not as no leaks are problematic even using new gaskets.
Posted By: mopar dave

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/05/17 02:22 AM

yep, mine leak real bad if i put any RPM on engine, 4000 up. mine look like they leak at the top. driving with the hood off pushes the oil to the front of the valley tray making it look like the chain cover is leaking.
Posted By: AndyF

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/05/17 02:38 AM

Mopar Performance cast covers are too wide to seal with the Moroso rubber gaskets. The Mopar valve covers are built wrong so you have to use something like the FelPro 1612 gasket to make up the difference.

I posted pictures on here a while back showing what the problem was with the MP valve covers. You can double check by measuring the width of the flange on the covers and comparing it to the width of the head. You'll see that the valve covers are too wide which is why they don't seal. They just twist the gasket and create a leak.
Posted By: AndyF

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/05/17 02:42 AM

Originally Posted By fast68plymouth
The Fel-Pro 1612's work excellent for rpm heads and mp cast valve covers.

The big down side with them for me has been.......after they have been installed a while, when you remove the v/c, it usually tears the gasket, and you need to replace them.

I've had good results with the moroso gaskets on Indy heads using Indy v/c's, with studs and nylock nuts.
I squish them down a little and call it good.

I'm jealous of how clean that engine bay is!!!



Next engine you do an engine with Indy covers try a set of the Cometic rubber coated steel gaskets. The Cometic gaskets are a step or two better than the Moroso gaskets. I've thrown all my Moroso gaskets away and switched all of my engines over to the Cometic gaskets. Zero leaks even after having the covers on and off a bunch. And the Cometic gaskets will hold a bunch of pan vacuum.
Posted By: AndyF

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/05/17 02:44 AM

Originally Posted By Sxrxrnr
Originally Posted By Azzkikrcuda
Try these Moroso gaskets. Been using my set for 10 years, removing them once or twice a year, still no leaks. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mor-9...ASABEgIECvD_BwE


Unfortunately my bad luck, exactly the one's I have recently used on my BB Edy aluminum head, MOPAR performance aluminum valve covers.

Both sides at rear bottom bolt seep no manner how tightly I cinch them and how often. It does seem that I can always get another half turn of the bolts as it appears this gasket has infinite crush capabilities.

Had switched from cork for re-usuability which had only leaked a very modest amount on right rear cover,,,which was corrected with a dab of silicone black at that point.

Moroso's, I have never removed but about to give them the silicone treatment,,,,but am uncertain if will do any good as they are now oil soaked.

If this fails, back to cork I go. Yes I suspect that valve cover machining may be questionable too and in that is where my Moroso problems lie. Particularly as others are having success.


With a nice clean engine compartment like that you should consider tossing the MP valve covers and getting some nice billet covers. Not sheet metal covers, billet ones. Like these:

Attached picture DSC_9660 (Large).JPG
Posted By: fast68plymouth

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/05/17 03:55 AM

Dave......you do have some breathers on the motor, right?

Andy.....what's interesting on the mp cast covers is.......they seem to work just fine on stock heads with the normal Fel-Pro cork gaskets.
I just silicone the gasket to the v/c, and I have been able to R&R the v/c's numerous times.....no leaks at all.
Posted By: mopar dave

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/05/17 04:56 AM

Yes. Using breathers

Attached picture 20170831_164615~2.jpg
Posted By: Sxrxrnr

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/05/17 07:21 AM

Originally Posted By AndyF
Originally Posted By Sxrxrnr
Originally Posted By Azzkikrcuda
Try these Moroso gaskets. Been using my set for 10 years, removing them once or twice a year, still no leaks. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mor-9...ASABEgIECvD_BwE


Unfortunately my bad luck, exactly the one's I have recently used on my BB Edy aluminum head, MOPAR performance aluminum valve covers.

Both sides at rear bottom bolt seep no manner how tightly I cinch them and how often. It does seem that I can always get another half turn of the bolts as it appears this gasket has infinite crush capabilities.

Had switched from cork for re-usuability which had only leaked a very modest amount on right rear cover,,,which was corrected with a dab of silicone black at that point.

Moroso's, I have never removed but about to give them the silicone treatment,,,,but am uncertain if will do any good as they are now oil soaked.

If this fails, back to cork I go. Yes I suspect that valve cover machining may be questionable too and in that is where my Moroso problems lie. Particularly as others are having success.


With a nice clean engine compartment like that you should consider tossing the MP valve covers and getting some nice billet covers. Not sheet metal covers, billet ones. Like these:


Very high tech and what's more,,,very pretty. My wife might even let me set this in the living room.
Posted By: hemi-itis

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/05/17 03:13 PM

You need to check the valve cover with a straight edge,if they ain't flat and you can't make them flat,then you need the 1/2 inch thick gaskets so you have room to crush,,,,,,don't ask how I know violin
Posted By: roadhazard

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/05/17 07:28 PM

Boy has this thread gone off the rails.....

MoparDave has a tech question about one of my products and I come on here to assist him in resolving the issue and diverts to Mopar Performance valve covers, this brand gasket, that brand gasket, pimping billet valve covers, etc..

When someone purchases from Superformance Products they get real, honest and cohesive tech support direct from the manufacturer. Take advantage of that benefit.

Posting an issue on a web forum muddies the water with expert "opinions" and can take hours or even days with back and forth questions and answers when a 5 minute phone call can get someone on track. I simply can not sit here and monitor moparts for everything that goes on or every question that may arise, it's just a side benefit that I'm a member who enjoys the hobby and willing to help where and when I can.

Dave, call me @ 866-925-78 five five and lets get the answers to your questions handled!

Thanks for your support
Posted By: Sxrxrnr

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/05/17 07:50 PM

I myself who too has experienced leaks of uncertain origin have learned points from this thread which may prove of value in the determination of the cause of my own valve cover sealing issue.

If Dave had merely called your firm instead of using this forum for advice, which all agree is a valuable tool, I and others would not have benefited from the shared wisdom of fellow members.

Would you not all agree that this would be a a primary purpose for the existence of this forum?
Posted By: fast68plymouth

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/05/17 08:49 PM

Quote:
Boy has this thread gone off the rails.....


Just the nature of the beast Greg.
Posted By: Thumperdart

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/05/17 11:50 PM

Same red gaskets on my Mopar Peformance covers on RPM heads for about 7+ years and no leaks.............. thumbs
Posted By: mopar dave

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/06/17 12:20 AM

Sorry Greg . not knocking your product just curious to if any one else with the issue as i thought it might be common with the gasket as stiff as it is. Using your gaskets in the rest of the build as well. Great product. Thanks to your rear main seal and Monty Smith advising me to clock that seal 12 and 6 oklock. No leaks there or any where else. Havent measured everything yet but will in a few. I just think a soft gasket might seal these covers. if i could afford $600 covers i would of bought them.
Posted By: DaveRS23

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/06/17 01:17 AM

Personally, I don't think this thread got off the rails. Although, that does happen a lot around here. The OP asked a question of the members and the answers have been relatively on target.

I like and use Superformance gaskets.....in certain places. They are the ONLY thing that I have found that can stop my intake from sucking oil. But their valve cover gaskets leaked on my Hemi. Fel Pros stopped the leaks. I think because they were softer. Plus they are a lot cheaper.

I do have to torque them occasionally. And I change them when I adjust the valves. Works out to about $15 a year. But the oil stays in the engine now.

Just my twocents.
Posted By: roadhazard

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/06/17 01:20 AM

No reason to be sorry and I know you are not knocking anything, just need a little bit of help and I'm more than willing to give it. Just give me a call.

It's just much easier and more productive to have a conversation over the phone than go through every little technical detail that may or may not be pertinent to you while pecking away at a keyboard while others take the conversation off into la la land.

For those injecting the greatness of the 1612 (made of pulp fiber aka paper) I'd guess have never seen or used our Carbon-X that have been out for 4 years this month and have become very very popular.
Posted 9/17/13
https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/ubbt...tml#Post1503062

Posted By: mopar dave

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/06/17 02:09 AM

Getting the covers off now. Let me get a hard look at the flanges and ill call.
Posted By: dartman366

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/06/17 02:27 AM

Carbon-X is what I used on mine with the Indy no logo covers and dry as a bone. up
Posted By: Thumperdart

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/06/17 02:33 AM

Originally Posted By mopar dave
Getting the covers off now. Let me get a hard look at the flanges and ill call.


Once you tighten em up a couple of times, you'll notice they will need to go back on into the same impregnation they made to seal and you can feel it when it's right........
Posted By: mopar dave

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/06/17 05:17 AM

Finally got around to putting a straight edge on the flanges of my covers. sure enough they are low in the center of the cover, high on the ends. looks like about 1/16" difference. Gonna have to use some black RTV and glue them to the covers. That should fix the leak. I would have thought tightening them up would flatten them out to seal. guess not.
Posted By: Thumperdart

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/06/17 06:27 AM

I always silicone em to the covers no matter what material and that cut's you chance of a leak by 50%............ apimp laugh2
Posted By: FastmOp

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/06/17 07:20 AM

Glue the Superformance to it. They will seal to the head just fine!
Posted By: mopar dave

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/06/17 03:16 PM

These are too oily at this point. I ordered some inexpensive mr.gasket 1/4" off ebay. should of been here before holiday, but just got them. look like cork painted black. thought they were rubber. Gonna see if these will work. I glue'd them on covers last night. Will call Greg later today to see what my other options are. Thanks
Posted By: hemi-itis

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/06/17 03:27 PM

If the surface is not flat,,,,,,leak you will.Don't ask how I know whistling
Posted By: BradH

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/06/17 04:10 PM

Originally Posted By roadhazard
... I'd guess have never seen or used our Carbon-X that have been out for 4 years this month and have become very very popular.
Posted 9/17/13
https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/ubbt...tml#Post1503062

Those are new to me. work

I've used the "thick" Fel-Pro gaskets mentioned above, but like fast68plymouth mentioned, they delaminate (peel apart?) during the first disassembly.

If my standard Superformance VC gaskets have any sealing issues w/ Indy cast covers on Edelbrock Victor heads (something odd about the Victor's valve cover rail, as I recall from AndyF), then would the Carbon-X be your next suggestion?
Posted By: roadhazard

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/07/17 03:51 PM

Originally Posted By BradH
Originally Posted By roadhazard
... I'd guess have never seen or used our Carbon-X that have been out for 4 years this month and have become very very popular.
Posted 9/17/13
https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/ubbt...tml#Post1503062

Those are new to me. work

I've used the "thick" Fel-Pro gaskets mentioned above, but like fast68plymouth mentioned, they delaminate (peel apart?) during the first disassembly.

If my standard Superformance VC gaskets have any sealing issues w/ Indy cast covers on Edelbrock Victor heads (something odd about the Victor's valve cover rail, as I recall from AndyF), then would the Carbon-X be your next suggestion?


If you have the Superformance #3186 Micropore-15 valve cover gaskets check and be sure the valve cover sealing surface is flat.
You won't have any issues.
Posted By: roadhazard

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/07/17 04:07 PM

Originally Posted By mopar dave
yep, mine leak real bad if i put any RPM on engine, 4000 up. mine look like they leak at the top. driving with the hood off pushes the oil to the front of the valley tray making it look like the chain cover is leaking.


?????

So if your valve covers are leaking at the "top" which is very unusual. Would there not be oil pooled on the cylinder head and intake manifold? Looking at your picture there is plenty of area for oil to pool on your (Victor?) heads.

Hood off or not, oil up by the timing cover might suggest your valley cover or possibly even your distributor is leaking. I don't know, I'm not there. "You" need to confirm exactly where the leak is coming from.
May not be the valve covers at all.
Posted By: roadhazard

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/07/17 04:21 PM

Originally Posted By DaveRS23


I like and use Superformance gaskets.....in certain places. They are the ONLY thing that I have found that can stop my intake from sucking oil. But their valve cover gaskets leaked on my Hemi.
Just my twocents.


I will refer you to my previous comment....
"When someone purchases from Superformance Products they get real, honest and cohesive tech support direct from the manufacturer. Take advantage of that benefit."

The root cause of your problem could have been addressed with a simple phone call, sorry you didn't take advantage of that.

Thanks for your support
Posted By: roadhazard

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/07/17 04:28 PM

Originally Posted By dartman366
Carbon-X is what I used on mine with the Indy no logo covers and dry as a bone. up


Bill, I would have suggested the #3186 Micropore-15 gaskets for your application, that's what they were made for.

The Carbon-X will work though.

As always, thanks for your support thumbs
Posted By: BradH

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/07/17 05:23 PM

Originally Posted By roadhazard
Originally Posted By BradH
Originally Posted By roadhazard
... I'd guess have never seen or used our Carbon-X that have been out for 4 years this month and have become very very popular.
Posted 9/17/13
https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/ubbt...tml#Post1503062

Those are new to me. work

I've used the "thick" Fel-Pro gaskets mentioned above, but like fast68plymouth mentioned, they delaminate (peel apart?) during the first disassembly.

If my standard Superformance VC gaskets have any sealing issues w/ Indy cast covers on Edelbrock Victor heads (something odd about the Victor's valve cover rail, as I recall from AndyF), then would the Carbon-X be your next suggestion?


If you have the Superformance #3186 Micropore-15 valve cover gaskets check and be sure the valve cover sealing surface is flat.
You won't have any issues.

The issue isn't whether the cast valve cover flange and the cylinder head valve cover rail are both flat (they are), but an overhanging issue like I believe AndyF brought up previously.

When I put the MP-15 gasket on the valve cover, it's a pretty good match. When I put the same gasket on the head, it overhangs the intake-side of the valve cover rail noticeably, leaving only part of the gasket to seal on the head while the outer edge is covered up by the exposed lip of the underside of the valve cover flange.

This is an Edelbrock BB Victor design eff-up, but it is what it is. frown
Posted By: AndyF

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/07/17 06:12 PM

Yep, when the cylinder head designer moves the rails the gasket mfg gets the blame!

I've probably said this a million times but "not everything works with everything". It isn't like there is an official Mopar aftermarket certification board that hands out stamps of approvals for Mopar parts. People just make stuff and sell it and maybe it fits and maybe it doesn't.

I'm not sure why a company like Edelbrock would change something fairly standard like the valve cover rail dimensions but they did. Or at least they did on the early Victor heads that I owned.

My personal way to deal with this stuff is to keep a large collection of gaskets on hand. Any time I'm working on new parts I check them against a stack of different gaskets to figure out which parts will work. I do not know any other way to figure it out. People don't put instructions in the box that say "we changed the dimensions on our part and your existing gaskets will not fit".
Posted By: fast68plymouth

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/07/17 06:24 PM

Quote:
I've probably said this a million times but "not everything works with everything". It isn't like there is an official Mopar aftermarket certification board that hands out stamps of approvals for Mopar parts. People just make stuff and sell it and maybe it fits and maybe it doesn't.


Exactly.
Posted By: BradH

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/07/17 07:29 PM

Originally Posted By AndyF
Yep, when the cylinder head designer moves the rails the gasket mfg gets the blame!

Maybe I just found another use for my Belzona: build out the valve cover rails to match the bleepin' covers. whistling
Posted By: roadhazard

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/07/17 07:35 PM

Originally Posted By BradH
Originally Posted By roadhazard
Originally Posted By BradH
Originally Posted By roadhazard
... I'd guess have never seen or used our Carbon-X that have been out for 4 years this month and have become very very popular.
Posted 9/17/13
https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/ubbt...tml#Post1503062

Those are new to me. work

I've used the "thick" Fel-Pro gaskets mentioned above, but like fast68plymouth mentioned, they delaminate (peel apart?) during the first disassembly.

If my standard Superformance VC gaskets have any sealing issues w/ Indy cast covers on Edelbrock Victor heads (something odd about the Victor's valve cover rail, as I recall from AndyF), then would the Carbon-X be your next suggestion?


If you have the Superformance #3186 Micropore-15 valve cover gaskets check and be sure the valve cover sealing surface is flat.
You won't have any issues.

The issue isn't whether the cast valve cover flange and the cylinder head valve cover rail are both flat (they are), but an overhanging issue like I believe AndyF brought up previously.

When I put the MP-15 gasket on the valve cover, it's a pretty good match. When I put the same gasket on the head, it overhangs the intake-side of the valve cover rail noticeably, leaving only part of the gasket to seal on the head while the outer edge is covered up by the exposed lip of the underside of the valve cover flange.

This is an Edelbrock BB Victor design eff-up, but it is what it is. frown


So what you are telling me is the gasket does not cover the whole flange on the cylinder head and there is exposed sealing area area?

I understand what is being said about the alignment of the valve cover flange in reference to the cylinder head flange not being in optimum alignment. If you had .125" or more of contact area where the valve cover and the cylinder head meet on the top sealing surface it should be enough to load the gasket and create a seal.
Now let's just say you only had .125" of good contact area between the valve cover and cylinder head along the top rail. If you "increase" the thickness of the gasket it will tend to roll/twist the gasket on that flange and give you the shear that Andy speaks of. More thickness and softer density will make the matter worse.

Can you set the gasket on the head, throw in some bolts for alignment and snap a pic or two of the flange area?
Posted By: fast68plymouth

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/07/17 08:23 PM

Another reason the MP cast covers can be difficult to seal with thinner, less compliant gaskets is there are irregularities cast into the sealing surface area.

Even if the covers aren't warped, the gasket surface isn't "flat"(smooth).

Brad, if you have a sharpie/marker, you could color up the upper v/c rail on the head, lay the gasket on it, and scribe a line of where the inner edge of the gasket sits.
After pulling the gasket off, you'd be able to see how much overlap there is.
Posted By: BradH

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/07/17 09:30 PM

Originally Posted By roadhazard
So what you are telling me is the gasket does not cover the whole flange on the cylinder head and there is exposed sealing area area?

Yep.

Originally Posted By roadhazard
Can you set the gasket on the head, throw in some bolts for alignment and snap a pic or two of the flange area?

Yep.
Posted By: mopar dave

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/08/17 01:48 AM

ok, I found the extensive part of the oil leak. Was leaking from the valley pan directly under the intake. Pulled the cover, cleaned it up good and sealed it with the Right Stuff. Installed the cork valve cover gaskets, went for a power ride and no leaks. non, not even a drop. Cool, I'm sure happy with that cause this thing was leaving pools of oil on the cover.
Posted By: roadhazard

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/08/17 02:05 AM

Originally Posted By BradH
Originally Posted By roadhazard
So what you are telling me is the gasket does not cover the whole flange on the cylinder head and there is exposed sealing area area?

Yep.

Originally Posted By roadhazard
Can you set the gasket on the head, throw in some bolts for alignment and snap a pic or two of the flange area?

Yep.


Thank you! look forward to the pics scope
Posted By: roadhazard

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/08/17 02:13 AM

Originally Posted By mopar dave
ok, I found the extensive part of the oil leak. Was leaking from the valley pan directly under the intake. Pulled the cover, cleaned it up good and sealed it with the Right Stuff. Installed the cork valve cover gaskets, went for a power ride and no leaks. non, not even a drop. Cool, I'm sure happy with that cause this thing was leaving pools of oil on the cover.


You would be amazed at the amount of oil that slings off the cam and hits the bottom of the valley plate/ bathtub gasket!

Maybe the valve cover gaskets were not leaking after all but as we discussed over the phone, would be good to get them surfaced flat over the winter, put the original gaskets back on and roll with it.

Nice chatting with you Dave wave
Posted By: mopar dave

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/08/17 02:24 AM

Yes, will be a good winter to do. Get them machine flat would be the best thing. Your gasket may not have been the issue. Nice chatting with you as well Greg.
Posted By: moparx

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/08/17 03:33 PM

good conversation with reasonable and calm back and forth problem solving tactics used to resolve an issue. this is as it should be instead of a pile on. thanks to those involved with this issue ! up
beer
Posted By: Thumperdart

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/08/17 06:39 PM

Originally Posted By fast68plymouth
Another reason the MP cast covers can be difficult to seal with thinner, less compliant gaskets is there are irregularities cast into the sealing surface area.

Even if the covers aren't warped, the gasket surface isn't "flat"(smooth).

Brad, if you have a sharpie/marker, you could color up the upper v/c rail on the head, lay the gasket on it, and scribe a line of where the inner edge of the gasket sits.
After pulling the gasket off, you'd be able to see how much overlap there is.


Again, I'm using MP covers that do not leak a drop after about 8 years and yes, the thin red ones. Silicon-ed to the covers on rpm heads.......... beer
Posted By: fast68plymouth

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/08/17 07:03 PM

MP cover:

Attached picture image.jpg
Posted By: Thumperdart

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/08/17 07:33 PM

Yep and w/silicone no issues as long as you put em on EXACTLY in the same impregnation they leave, they seal fine or at least mine do....... beer
Posted By: AndyF

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/08/17 08:38 PM

The big problem with MP covers is that they are wider than the mating surface on the head. So they twist the gasket rather than squish the gasket. You can quickly check it with a set of calipers or a machinist rule. The MP covers do not sit squarely on the valve cover rail, they sit slightly to the outside edge and the more you tighten down the bolts the more they twist the gasket.
Posted By: dare_dude

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/08/17 10:28 PM

Got the .047 for my SRS working fine! been taking covers off and on to check valve cleareance doing ok.
Posted By: deaks

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/08/17 10:51 PM

I used Greg's pink gaskets with the mopar cast covers and my eddy heads, i sanded all the casting flash off the covers before using them put the gaskets on dry and they sealed fine. I tried the moroso gaskets with the steel band inside and they were a complete disaster.
Mick
Posted By: BradH

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/09/17 07:38 PM

Originally Posted By roadhazard
Originally Posted By BradH
Originally Posted By roadhazard
So what you are telling me is the gasket does not cover the whole flange on the cylinder head and there is exposed sealing area area?

Yep.

Originally Posted By roadhazard
Can you set the gasket on the head, throw in some bolts for alignment and snap a pic or two of the flange area?

Yep.


Thank you! look forward to the pics scope

Pics taken, but I need to resize them before I can post them. Should be later today. FWIW, the sealing area is reduced to .200" on the top rail due to the differences in gasket railing spacing.
Posted By: roadhazard

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/20/17 03:55 PM

Originally Posted By BradH
Originally Posted By roadhazard
Originally Posted By BradH
Originally Posted By roadhazard
So what you are telling me is the gasket does not cover the whole flange on the cylinder head and there is exposed sealing area area?

Yep.

Originally Posted By roadhazard
Can you set the gasket on the head, throw in some bolts for alignment and snap a pic or two of the flange area?

Yep.


Thank you! look forward to the pics scope

Pics taken, but I need to resize them before I can post them. Should be later today. FWIW, the sealing area is reduced to .200" on the top rail due to the differences in gasket railing spacing.


scope scope scope
Posted By: BradH

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/20/17 05:05 PM

Yeah, I need to post those pics for you... possibly tonight.
Posted By: BradH

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/21/17 03:51 AM

OK, pics... hopefully self-explanatory.

Attached picture VC_1.JPG
Attached picture VC_2.JPG
Attached picture VC_3.JPG
Attached picture VC_4.JPG
Posted By: BradH

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/21/17 03:53 AM

I dykem'd the rail and scribed the gasket line to show how much area was actually in contact w/ the intake-side valve cover rail... right about .200". Then I bolted the valve cover w/ the gasket onto the head.



Attached picture VC_5.JPG
Attached picture VC_6.JPG
Attached picture VC_7.JPG
Posted By: BradH

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/21/17 03:55 AM

Last two showing gasket & valve cover from the bottom view along the intake rail and at the corner.

Attached picture VC_8.JPG
Attached picture VC_9.JPG
Posted By: AndyF

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/21/17 05:03 AM

Yeah that is what my Victor heads looked like too. It appears that the designer at Edelbrock just used the wrong dimensions on the Victor valve cover rail. I would assume that whoever designed the Victor head would just re-use the dimensions from the RPM head but evidently he decided to create a new design which doesn't fit any known gaskets or valve cover. Beats the heck out of me! That was one of the reasons why I decided not to run the Victor heads on my engine.
Posted By: eds dart

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/21/17 05:35 AM

the pink gaskets didn,t work on my victors either. plus they tore after I took the covers off the first time after first passes to redo lash. went back to mr gasket black cork type, rtv.d to cylinder head side. worked for years on stock heads and cast valve covers. will see longevity on this set up. don't think pink gaskets are the problem, the identified mismatch at the cylinder head is the source off the problems. why eldebrock built the victors this way????
Posted By: hemi-itis

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/21/17 06:25 AM

I also had a bad cover leak.There is a very sophisticated method to true the VC rails.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YKFy82_X8c

sawzall

Attached picture 9.19.17 059.jpg
Attached picture 9.19.17 060.jpg
Posted By: mikeysmopars

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/21/17 06:59 AM

Originally Posted By BradH
Last two showing gasket & valve cover from the bottom view along the intake rail and at the corner.


This is the same thing I have going on with the same gaskets, I brought this up to Greg which he took a lot of time to try to help including offering new gaskets but which gaskets work best on Indy big block heads and valve covers? Indy's leaked out of the gate. Superformance lasted the longest but still leak when I ran the valves a couple times.
Posted By: 80fbody

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/21/17 02:15 PM

Wow, glad I went with ported RPM's for my setup. Hate leaks like that.
Posted By: hemi-itis

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/21/17 04:18 PM



You would be amazed at the amount of oil that slings off the cam and hits the bottom of the valley plate/ bathtub gasket!

Maybe the valve cover gaskets were not leaking after all but as we discussed over the phone, would be good to get them surfaced flat over the winter, put the original gaskets back on and roll with it.

Nice chatting with you Dave wave [/quote]
This where this shows its value.Splash shield! Also keep oil from slinging on the bottom of the intake or valley gasket.

Attached picture 9.19.17 030.jpg
Posted By: BradH

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/21/17 05:38 PM

Originally Posted By mikeysmopars
Originally Posted By BradH
Last two showing gasket & valve cover from the bottom view along the intake rail and at the corner.


This is the same thing I have going on with the same gaskets, I brought this up to Greg which he took a lot of time to try to help including offering new gaskets but which gaskets work best on Indy big block heads and valve covers? Indy's leaked out of the gate. Superformance lasted the longest but still leak when I ran the valves a couple times.

I've never expected valve cover gaskets to be reusable, for the most part. I hate leaks... If they'll seal the first time on, but need to be replaced every time the covers come off, then it'll just be another consumable item to keep extras on hand.
Posted By: AndyF

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/21/17 05:44 PM

I can solve that valve cover gasket issue for you Brad but it will cost a bunch of money! Once I made billet valve covers for my stuff the leaks went away. Your issue would be even harder to solve since custom valve covers would also require custom gaskets. Might be easier to have a good shop add a bead of weld on the valve cover rail so the gasket if fully supported on the intake side.
Posted By: BradH

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/21/17 05:48 PM

Originally Posted By AndyF
I can solve that valve cover gasket issue for you Brad but it will cost a bunch of money! Once I made billet valve covers for my stuff the leaks went away. Your issue would be even harder to solve since custom valve covers would also require custom gaskets. Might be easier to have a good shop add a bead of weld on the valve cover rail so the gasket if fully supported on the intake side.

I got me a tub o' Belzona... bondo
Posted By: BradH

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/25/17 06:24 PM

Greg: I figured out over the weekend that I've been sold two different versions of Superformance VC gaskets. The ones pictured above are packaged as B1 gaskets, and the other set is the standard BB MP-15 gasket.

I've purchased your products from multiple vendors and don't remember who sold me which ones. Regardless, I'll add some additional pics to show both part #s with the same head & valve cover.
Posted By: roadhazard

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/30/17 06:00 PM

Yes Brad, the gasket you have pictured is for the B-1 heads and valve covers.

I can tell you this. OhioGTX, a close friend of mine has been using our #3186 with the Victor heads AND cast Mopar Performance valve covers for years with zero leak issues. If he had an issue I would most certainly be aware of it.

When I gave him the gaskets he asked, "what should i do for installation?" I said, "nothing, just put them on and tighten the fasteners."
To this day I believe those same gaskets are on the engine without issue.
Posted By: roadhazard

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/30/17 06:14 PM

Originally Posted By mikeysmopars


This is the same thing I have going on with the same gaskets, I brought this up to Greg which he took a lot of time to try to help including offering new gaskets but which gaskets work best on Indy big block heads and valve covers? Indy's leaked out of the gate. Superformance lasted the longest but still leak when I ran the valves a couple times.


Mike you have the #3186 gasket which was designed with the intention of it being "The Gasket To Use" with the Indy heads and valve covers.

As I stated in our conversations there is something going on with the components you are using. Either flatness, valve cover hold downs or something. Heck, it could be something else leaking making it look like the valve covers.
You never let me know if you wanted to try a set of the Carbon-X gaskets..... the offer still stands.
Posted By: roadhazard

Re: superperformance valve cover gaskets - 09/30/17 06:17 PM

Originally Posted By eds dart
the pink gaskets didn,t work on my victors either. plus they tore after I took the covers off the first time after first passes to redo lash. went back to mr gasket black cork type, rtv.d to cylinder head side. worked for years on stock heads and cast valve covers. will see longevity on this set up. don't think pink gaskets are the problem, the identified mismatch at the cylinder head is the source off the problems. why eldebrock built the victors this way????


Should have contacted me....... "When someone purchases from Superformance Products they get real, honest and cohesive tech support direct from the manufacturer. Take advantage of that benefit."
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