I have read of various means to fix oil leaks on a 235 6 cyl engine, be it cast aluminum cover, new gasket and "ultra black", re-peen the steel valve cover... I have two question; Some cast valve covers state "no baffle," is that a good or bad issue? Secondly, I see "load spreaders" available for V-8s valve covers but none apply to a straight 6, anyone know if they will fit a straight 6? They look like they would. Thanks for your input.
If you want to use the cast aluminum cover, that's a different discussion and a personal choice. Like other things, there will be pros and cons and you can find those if you search a bit.
If you want to use your stock valve cover, then please go down to a post in this same section from a couple of weeks ago titled something like "Banish Valve Cover Leaks Forever." It should be about 10 or 15 posts down from this one. All you need is a saber saw, a metal blade, a file and some 3/16" aluminum you can cut into pieces from templates you'll make. Then some slightly longer screws (I got them at True Value) and you'll be good to go. You might be able to use the spreaders for the V8 engines, but the best way (if of course you prefer to use your stock valve cover) is to straighten the valve cover out completely, use a new gasket and apply pressure from end to end of the valve cover. Good luck!
~ Jon 1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
I see "load spreaders" available for V-8s valve covers but none apply to a straight 6, anyone know if they will fit a straight 6? They look like they would. Thanks for your input.
The G.M. ones can be heated & formed a small amount to fit. They do help. I lightly glue the gasket to the head over the 4 studs, install cover, reinforcements & nuts.
BC 1960 Chevy C10 driver 261 T5 4.10 dana 44 power loc 1949 GMC 250 project in waiting 1960 C60 pasture art Retired GM dealer tech. 1980 - 2022
The G.M. ones can be heated & formed a small amount to fit. They do help. I lightly glue the gasket to the head over the 4 studs, install cover, reinforcements & nuts.
added photo.
BC 1960 Chevy C10 driver 261 T5 4.10 dana 44 power loc 1949 GMC 250 project in waiting 1960 C60 pasture art Retired GM dealer tech. 1980 - 2022
Load spreaders for Chevy V8's is what you hear about. First load spreaders that I know about were on factory 1963 Chevy Corvair 6 engines. the factory ones are a bit beefier then some aftermarket ones. They would not fit well on a 235 without a good bit of grinding so that they would clear the valve cover lip. BC's picture kind of shows this.
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
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
