scamp80602
Life Long MOPAR Man
I'm in doing engine compartment detailing now, and I need to replace my valve cover gaskets. What's the best type? Rubber or cork? Thanks!
I am using MP composite valve cover gaskets. These have a steel core with rubber laminated to each side. I have 20K miles with 0 leaks and have had the covers on an off several times with the same gaskets. By far the best I have ever used.
I used them on stock LA valve covers. They are availble for LAs and magnums too.
I assume you also have LA heads, correct? Just making sure.
The reason I bring it up is I know they work great for a magnum headed engine because the magnum heads mating surface is milled flat but the LA heads are as cast which is pretty rough. I've had better luck with the cork gaskets than rubber/neoprene on my LA heads with aluminum valve covers but even their not leak proof. I was thinking about trying the new composite ones but wondered if they'd work on a LA head.
I have used them on stock LA valve covers on LA heads, and stock LA valve covers on magnum heads. All cases they worked without leaks. These were used on an oval track racer which typically sees extended periods of hot oil and high engine temps and other abuses. I didn't try them with aluminum valve covers, but they would be fine.
The new composite ones have a very soft rubber (it sees more like a urethane) which easily conforms to the shape of the gasket surface. And the rubber stays soft after use too. Once you try a set, you won't use anything else.