Valve cover gaskets 440 cork or rubber or something else?

[1967coronet]

1969 440 rebuilt 4 years ago. Moroso 93055 Gaskets newly installed on Stock Valve Covers. Currently torqued at 40"lbs. Are you saying back off on the torque?
Generic Directions all makes and models from Moroso is 80"lbs for 1/4" thread fasteners. Seems like too much to me. FSM 40"lbs.
Have not run engine with new valve cover gaskets. Previous FelPro Cork gaskets were leaking, probably because of heat from HP manifolds.
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If that was mine I would pull the covers make sure the edges are all level. Straighten the bolt holes back flat.
Get a new set of cork gaskets use a bit of gasket glue to stick them on the ( clean ) covers.
Let them set for a hr or two and install.
Use a nut driver or at the most a 1/4 drive rachet. Just snug them up, don't bend or sink the cover bolts.
Plus dbl check you pcv valve is not stuck.

 

[mbc0724]

Nice photos!

 

[XXWingCar]

I like to use the Moroso #93055 specially if you need to adjust your valves. They’re reusable.

If you don’t need to adj. your valves, I like to use the Fel-Pro 1610 & gasket sealer.

Mopar Hunter: I was considering the Moroso 93055 or the Fel-Pro 1610 gaskets for my 440 that I have Mopar Performance cast aluminum valve covers on. The problem I have is that the Fel-Pro's currently on the vehicle are leaking (they are FEL part number VS50145R, also rubber) and the Moroso's seem like they are also rubber but, a lot more expensive. Any thoughts? What type of gasket sealer do you suggest for the Fel-Pro's in your message above? I'm not interested in reuse of the gaskets.

 

[33 IMP]

I've used cork, glued to the covers, cause that's all I could find for four bolt covers.
A while back I actually found some Superformance four bolt gaskets, so I'm gonna try them next time.
I use studs for ALL my valve covers (grade eight set screws, about 1/3 the price of the high-dollar arp studs) and home made stiffeners under the nuts. Imo, the four bolt covers (steel, maxwedge) and my moroso stamped covers NEED them.

 

[33 IMP]

Mopar Hunter: I was considering the Moroso 93055 or the Fel-Pro 1610 gaskets for my 440 that I have Mopar Performance cast aluminum valve covers on. The problem I have is that the Fel-Pro's currently on the vehicle are leaking (they are FEL part number VS50145R, also rubber) and the Moroso's seem like they are also rubber but, a lot more expensive. Any thoughts? What type of gasket sealer do you suggest for the Fel-Pro's in your message above? I'm not interested in reuse of the gaskets.

Cast covers on original (well, big blocks anyway) heads
can be troublesome, cause the original threads are NOT perpendicular to the gasket surface. Aftermarket aluminum heads are perpendicular.
Another reason the "manufactured" covers that use long bolts are difficult to use on stock heads.

 

[XXWingCar]

I've used cork, glued to the covers, cause that's all I could find for four bolt covers.
A while back I actually found some Superformance four bolt gaskets, so I'm gonna try them next time.
I use studs for ALL my valve covers (grade eight set screws, about 1/3 the price of the high-dollar arp studs) and home made stiffeners under the nuts. Imo, the four bolt covers (steel, maxwedge) and my moroso stamped covers NEED them.

Thanks for the info. You mention "four bolt gaskets" but, my VC's are 6 bolt. See the pic I've added. Maybe I mis-spoke in my original message to you.

The issue, as I understand it, is that the cast edge on the cylinder head is essentially rounded at the corners making it difficult to get a good long lasting seal. That's why I though some type of Permatex or other gasket sealer in addition to the gasket might be a good idea, realizing it would be very difficult to get off later. However, if it stops the leaking I think I'd be okay with that. Your thoughts on the use of a Permatex or other sealer??

 

[33 IMP]

Thanks for the info. You mention "four bolt gaskets" but, my VC's are 6 bolt. See the pic I've added. Maybe I mis-spoke in my original message to you.

The issue, as I understand it, is that the cast edge on the cylinder head is essentially rounded at the corners making it difficult to get a good long lasting seal. That's why I though some type of Permatex or other gasket sealer in addition to the gasket might be a good idea, realizing it would be very difficult to get off later. However, if it stops the leaking I think I'd be okay with that. Your thoughts on the use of a Permatex or other sealer??

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My four bolt covers are pre-1964, when Mopar went to six bolts on big block covers. (286 maxwedge heads, 1963)
There was a period a while back where the corner bolts on the Mopar Performance covers would crack the cover if tightened too much or out of sequence. Be aware.
I tend to use pretty much any gasket sealer or silicone on the cover, just to hold the gasket in place, and give me an opportunity to maybe re-use the gaskets after running the solid lifters. A little oil on the head side of the gasket helps too.
I might not use anything on the Superformance gaskets. I'll consult them before use. (Owner is a member here, or FABO. I have no clue about his member name. Or, maybe he was on moparts)