Valve gaskets leaking woes, Won't stop Options

[Wew]

Hi all,

I rebuilt my 1973 2.0 motor, which was already a 2056. I put new 2.0 heads on it with 1.7 rockers. Was machined for spirited driving.
I put the bigger 914 cork gaskets on as well.
They still leak. The straps for each valve cover are tight.
Any advice, tips and or tricks to end this valve cover leaking madness?
Not sure it increase pressure due to no vacuum port on the new heads has anything to do with it, but either way, I gotta figure out how to make it stop.
Please advise.

Thanks,

Gary

[VaccaRabite]

Try putting a THIN coating or RTV on the cork where it goes into the valve cover.
Do not glue the cork to the heads!

This should help keep the cork in place while you seat the heads, and remove one surface to leak.

Also, once the cork is RTVed into place you will be able to remove the valve covers the next time you do your valves and not have to replace the cork.

My cork has been in place for years at this point, though valve adjustments each spring. No leaks.

Also, there is an old wives tale about the "VW" on the valve cover needs to be upside down. I do it this way too - no idea if its true or not - but it works.

The downside of this - if you ever remove the cork, get ready to CLEAN. This actually could be part of your problem. The channel in the valve cover needs to be spotless clean when the cork goes in. Any dirt (or hardened RTV) will lift the cork and give oil a place to get pushed out.

Zach