Best valve cover gaskets?

I installed the Fel-Pro using a hylomar sealant. I cleaned the head surface with a roloc disc and then brake cleaner. I cleaned all oil from the valve cover. I torqued to the proper 40 inch lbs. After a long drive, the last half of which my motor smoked like a smokestack, I found them leaking like a sieve. I checked the torque and they were extremely loose. I retourqued them but had enough for one day. I will drive again tomorrow and recheck torque.

Bummer.:banghead: I had the same problem using rubber Fel-pro's on aluminum valve covers. I have used rubber Fel-pro's on steel valve covers and they worked great but I don't know why but they would never seal up on my aluminum covers.. Changed to cork and glued them to the valve covers like we said earlier and they never leaked 1 drop again. I even took them off and re-installed them at least 4 times with that same set of gaskets and they never leaked.

p.s. with most any gaskets, I install them and if it's one I use sealer on I let it set up over night then start the engine and bring it up to operating temp. and shut if off, let it cool completely then re-torque them. That seems to help a lot at preventing leaks. It's time consuming but it works.

Also check that the valve covers aren't hitting the intake runners like Mully mentioned. I've had a couple sets that happened on and no gasket you install will seal up cause it isn't letting the valve cover pull down tight. I had to grind/file clearance on my valve covers so they cleared the intake. I've only seen this happen on aluminum covers.