valve cover leaking around bolts

[CraigK]

Finally got around to replacing my valve cover gasket today ('87 B2 2.9). Passenger side only today, using a Felpro rubber gasket, with just a VERY thin layer of Ultra Copper Silicone on both sides of the gasket. My POS Haynes manual gave no tightening sequence or torque specs, so I winged it.

It still leaks. It doesn't seem to be leaking oil through the gasket surface, but from the two middle outside bolts - oil is seeping out the friggin' bolt holes! (On top of the valve cover.) Is this common? Do I have to redo the whole job? Should I just tighten the bolts more? (BTW, the mating surface was well cleaned, a total PITA getting the baked on solidified !@#^*(^$! cork off.) Is there a way to remove the bolt and use silicone or perhaps a small O-ring to seal around the bolt?

As usual, any insights/help appreciated.

CraigK

 

[RangerMan64]

Why don't you use some RTV Hi Temp gasket maker around the bolts?

 

[CraigK]

Thanks for your comments. I've since fixed the problem.
I had to redo the job. The second time I did not tighten the bolts as much (the new gasket had been split around the bolts.) When I did the other side I used a Felpro premium gasket, which seems to be a much better design, and neither side is leaking right now.

CraigK

 

[MAKG]

FYI, it's working so you're done for now. But for future reference, the OEM gaskets are VERY nice, and have little steel inserts to prevent the overtightening that you did. VERY much worth it (and they aren't nearly as expensive as you might think).

 

[CraigK]

MAKG

The gaskets I took off were some kind of cork. I assume they were orginal - only 126,000 on engine, and I've owned the vehicle for ~10 years. These gaskets were baked into a solid form, cracked, broken and leaking like a seive. I won't use cork ever. But I did see the inserts (almost dropped them into the lifters!). Are the new Ford gaskets still cork?

The Felpro PremiumPlus (or whatever they are called) also had metal inserts around the bolts. And the construction and material (some kind of synthetic rubber?) seemed to be very high quality. As you indicate, I think inserts are critical (at least for me) for getting the job done properly, and not over or under tightening the bolts. After redoing the job twice, $52 for the Premium gaskets looked like a much better value than before I started.

CraigK

 

[MAKG]

I haven't replaced 2.9L valve cover gaskets in some time, but last time I did, they appeared to be a rubber-impregnated cork.

Cork conforms FAR better than rubber, but it really doesn't like to be overtightened.

 

[WhiteBroncoII2WD]

MAKG

The gaskets I took off were some kind of cork. I assume they were orginal - only 126,000 on engine, and I've owned the vehicle for ~10 years. These gaskets were baked into a solid form, cracked, broken and leaking like a seive. I won't use cork ever. But I did see the inserts (almost dropped them into the lifters!). Are the new Ford gaskets still cork?

The Felpro PremiumPlus (or whatever they are called) also had metal inserts around the bolts. And the construction and material (some kind of synthetic rubber?) seemed to be very high quality. As you indicate, I think inserts are critical (at least for me) for getting the job done properly, and not over or under tightening the bolts. After redoing the job twice, $52 for the Premium gaskets looked like a much better value than before I started.

CraigK

I used both OEM and Fel-Pro gasket on the valve covers and Fel-Pro has never let me down. With the black gaskets though you do have to be careful about over tighten.

 

[majik455]

FYI, it's working so you're done for now. But for future reference, the OEM gaskets are VERY nice, and have little steel inserts to prevent the overtightening that you did. VERY much worth it (and they aren't nearly as expensive as you might think).

I have used these on mine i do love them helps keep you from over tighten them.