How to Replace the Valve Cover Gasket on a 350
by John Stevens J.D.The Chevrolet 350 engine is equipped with two cylinder heads, each containing eight valves. Attached to the top of each cylinder head is a one-piece valve cover. Between the cylinder head and the valve cover is a single gasket, which is designed to seal the gap between the valve cover and the cylinder head. If the gasket fails, oil will leak out of this gap and onto the exhaust manifolds. A damaged valve cover gasket cannot be repaired, but replacing the gasket is simple.
Step 1
Remove the two bolts that secure the top of the valve cover to the cylinder head with a wrench, followed by the two bolts at the bottom of the valve cover.
Step 2
Insert the blade of a flathead screwdriver between one side of the valve cover and the cylinder head, then twist the blade to unseal the valve cover from the cylinder head.
Step 3
Turn the valve cover upside down to expose the gasket, then pull the gasket off the cover.
Step 4
Apply a single bead of gasket sealant around the lip of the valve cover, then position the replacement gasket onto the sealant.
Step 5
Position the gasket on the valve cover so that each of the gasket's four bolt holes aligns with the bolt holes on the edges of the valve cover.
Step 6
Apply a single bead of gasket sealant to the valve cover gasket, then place the valve cover on the cylinder head.
Step 7
Install and tighten each of the valve cover's four bolts with a wrench.
References
- "Motor's Auto Repair Manual"; Ralph Ritchen; 1968
- "How to Rebuild Your Small-Block Chevy"; David Vizard; 1991
Things You'll Need
- Wrench
- Flathead screwdriver
- Gasket sealant
- Replacement gasket
Writer Bio
John Stevens has been a writer for various websites since 2008. He holds an Associate of Science in administration of justice from Riverside Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from California State University, San Bernardino, and a Juris Doctor from Whittier Law School. Stevens is a lawyer and licensed real-estate broker.
