Alloy valve covers

[Mio]

I was considering the purchase and installation of an alloy valve cover for Bugeye such as that sold by Moss Motors (see: Alloy valve covers) until a long time British car enthusiast mentioned to me that they were more prone to leaking than the traditional valve covers.

Is there any truth to this assertion?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[DrEntropy]

If you "pre-glue" the gasket to the cover first and get good contact around the head surface they're fine. It just takes a bit more "fiddling" to initially seal 'em.

 

[Mio]

I'm familiar with the approach to sealing 'the gasket to the cover first' but appreciate your advice. Perhaps the individual that I spoke with was dealing with a defective product.

Thanks for your response.

Mike

 

[DrEntropy]

I've seen 'em where the installer got a bit over zealous about tightening 'em down, too. Distorts the sealing edge of the cover. Some folk have a way of introducing more problems than they cure, IYSWIM.

 

[racingenglishcars]

I always liked the look of the steel cover. I really think it looks good and there's no doubting the classic look of the engine. It doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is. I always thought the aluminium covers were for people who use 1.5 rocker sets, which don't fit under the standard cover.

 

[65sprite]

I got one as a gift last Christmas. I installed it using a silicone gasket from Roadster Gaskets (often advertised on Ebay}. Expensive, but seamed to have a positive reputation according to a lengthy discussion on another British board. No leaks, and they are reusable, so it's nice not to have to buy a cork gasket every time you reset the rockers.

If you like the look of the aluminum valve cover, I do, then you might look into a silicone gasket. IMHO.

Ron

 

[Bugeye58]

Mike,the two major drawbacks that I've seen with the Al. covers are the lack of the gasket retaining lip on the edge, and the absence of any vent provisions. As mentioned, a properly glued gasket should present no problem, and a vent fitting is easily installed, should you desire one.
They do tend to dampen out a bit of the valvetrain music, too.
Jeff

 

[Mio]

the two major drawbacks that I've seen with the Al. covers are the lack of the gasket retaining lip on the edge, and the absence of any vent provisions.

Hi Jeff,
Your point about the retaining lip, or lack thereof, was exactly what was mentioned by the individual that I spoke with. He felt that this is what led to the increased likelihood of leaks.

I'll give this some more thought but Donn raised a great point that "there's no doubting the classic look of the engine" with the steel valve cover.

Mike

 

[Luke_Healey]

Advance Auto is able to get me (same day) Fel Pro cork gaskets for about 3 bucks a pop. I got four of them when I got my first Sprite. I used a thin bead of RTV and it doesn't leak. The one on my 'new' Sprite is not even RTVed and it's not leaking. It's about 1/4" thick I think.