The most important thing to do first is to do some tin smith work on the valve cover. They all need it. The sealing area on the ends and the right side of the valve cover is very thin which lends them to leak there.
I first take out any bow out of the sides of the valve cover, then beat the metal back out where the acorn nut holes. A deep well socket and a hammer works. If you don't do this, your acorn nuts will bottom out before enough pressure is exerted on the gasket for a positive seal.
Then use a straight edge to check the valve cover for flatness.
The final test is to place the valve cover on the head and check for gaps with a feeler gauge. This only works on the ends and the right side. The left side has a flange in the way.
Last edited by 52Carl; 01/19/2021 12:49 AM.
