Valve cover gasket question

[jonlandrum]

I just got a new-to-me truck with a 5.7 l Vortec, but both valve covers are leaking. The original equipment is just a rubber gasket. Is it ok to put a metal core rubber gasket on in their place? Or even metal core cork? Or should I stick with stock?

 

[burbguy82]

I just got a new-to-me truck with a 5.7 l Vortec, but both valve covers are leaking. The original equipment is just a rubber gasket. Is it ok to put a metal core rubber gasket on in their place? Or even metal core cork? Or should I stick with stock?

I would just stick with stock. You might try tightening them up a bit. What kind of truck?

 

[jonlandrum]

I would just stick with stock. You might try tightening them up a bit. What kind of truck?

It's a 2000 Chevrolet C2500. I believe the torque specs for the covers is 20 in/lbs but I'm looking for a service manual on it.

 

[burbguy82]

Do they have the center bolts? I think they are 106-108 inlbs or something like that. On second thought, those are probably factory, might ought to replace if it bothers you. It might give you a nice glimpse of the rest of the condition of the engine, oil related anyway.

great trucks.

 

[jonlandrum]

Do they have the center bolts? I think they are 106-108 inlbs or something like that. On second thought, those are probably factory, might ought to replace if it bothers you. It might give you a nice glimpse of the rest of the condition of the engine, oil related anyway.

great trucks.

That's a good question, I'll have to check in the morning. 20 in/lbs seemed awfully low to me, too, but it was something I read on the GMT400 forums. There's no replacement for the factory service manual, though.

 

[clinebarger]

106 in/lbs, The valve covers have stops that prevents over compression of the gasket....Replace the gaskets.

 

[jonlandrum]

106 in/lbs, The valve covers have stops that prevents over compression of the gasket....Replace the gaskets.

Right, but:

The original equipment is just a rubber gasket. Is it ok to put a metal core rubber gasket on in their place? Or even metal core cork? Or should I stick with stock?

So is it ok to use a metal core gasket, or swap to a cork based gasket, or should I just stick with what the factory installed and use a plain rubber gasket?

 

[clinebarger]

Use GM OE gasket part# 10046089

 

[jonlandrum]

Use GM OE gasket part# 10046089

Roger, thanks