In the days before hydraulic lifters, valve covers were removed frequently for valve adjustments, and a gasket was not expected to last more than six months or so, maybe a year at most. Two studs on the 216's and early 235's, and four bolts on the later models was not nearly enough clamping points to eliminate all the drips, but most people were not so fastidious as to get a case of the vapors over seep leaks. When a stovebolt quits leaking, sort of like a Detroit Diesel, put some more oil in it- - - -it's empty!
Jerry
