Valve cover question!

[BlueLine984]

Morning People's!
I'm looking at replacing the chrome valve covers on my interstate; the chrome is starting to rust and it just doesn't look very sharp anymore. My question is when you take the valve cover off, does the rubber gasket between the cover and heads need to be replaced or can I just bolt on a new valve cover without any significant issues?

[WintrSol]

The answer, of course, it 'it depends'. The rubber will age and take a set; reusing it with the same cover will often work, but a new cover may not fit as tight all the way around, making for a leak. IMO, get new gaskets for new covers.

[Gideon]

To avoid problems replace the gaskets with new ones.

[old2soon]

Simple question-do you WANT yer lady to leak oil?  I thought not!  New gaskets. RIDE SAFE.

[BlueLine984]

Simple question-do you WANT yer lady to leak oil?  I thought not!  New gaskets. RIDE SAFE.

LOL! My logic behind it was to replace them anyways but was advised if they don't look like they're rotted to leave them alone and not worry about it. Didn't sound like very kosher advice

[hubcapsc]

I haven't been there in a while, but there were some new ones sitting
around some of the cabinets at Shroader's Honda in Hendersonville
NC last time I was there...

-Mike

[98valk]

Well I just replaced my oem covers after 42k miles with a set of highly polished Goldwing GL1500 valve covers in the beginning of the yr.  reused the gaskets, still Zero Leakage. They are designed for reuse, tech manual pg 8-25 states replace only if damaged or fatigued.
so if still pliable just reuse.

[BlueLine984]

Well I just replaced my oem covers after 42k miles with a set of highly polished Goldwing GL1500 valve covers in the beginning of the yr.  reused the gaskets, still Zero Leakage. They are designed for reuse, tech manual pg 8-25 states replace only if damaged or fatigued.
so if still pliable just reuse.

I read the same thing - but figured still was best to ask.

[Pete]

You might want to polish the existing covers to see if that removes the issues.

[BlueLine984]

You might want to polish the existing covers to see if that removes the issues.

I bought a used set and had them ceramic coated black so the chrome ones are just going to sit on a shelf for a while I think

[Hook#3287]

You might want to polish the existing covers to see if that removes the issues.

I bought a used set and had them ceramic coated black so the chrome ones are just going to sit on a shelf for a while I think

Pictures are required,  you know

[BlueLine984]

You might want to polish the existing covers to see if that removes the issues.

I bought a used set and had them ceramic coated black so the chrome ones are just going to sit on a shelf for a while I think

Pictures are required,  you know

Aye - once I have them on and in place...you'll have your pictures lol

[hilf]

I had an oozing leak on one side after installing a replacement engine. The gasket was still good so it was cleaned thoroughly, metal surfaces were carefully cleaned then the valve cover was refitted using black silicone gasket sealant in order to have any imperfections in the metal surfaces sealed. Problem solved. Interesting that the side not needing attention ws installed without any sealant. Every case is different.

[westnek]

Morning People's!
I'm looking at replacing the chrome valve covers on my interstate; the chrome is starting to rust and it just doesn't look very sharp anymore. My question is when you take the valve cover off, does the rubber gasket between the cover and heads need to be replaced or can I just bolt on a new valve cover without any significant issues?
[/quote   hi blueline I had a leak with a valve cover one time --quick fix I relieved the pointed end of bolt or you can use a washer under bolt head to have more torgue clearance because sometimes with out the space the bolt wont tighten in ,,it will bottom so leaving slight gap for leak

[Bagger John - #3785]

How long since you adjusted your valves?

Might as well check the clearances while you have the covers off.