Valve cover. Cork sealing strip

[David Stepney]

Thanks for the reply’s I will try David’s removing the corners off at 45% first as I have a new cork strip but will no doubt go the silicon route next time.

John Mason

Crimping the modified seal into the groove bit by bit with a vice seems to work well for me, John.

[Colin Wilks]

The last time I did it I trimmed the cork to length with a scarf joint, soaked the cork for a while in very hot water and then fitted it in the groove and left it overnight cork side down on a flat surface with a heavy weight on top. I found the cork compresses and conforms to the shape of the groove in the cover quite nicely, and the pressure onto a flat surface ensures the cork presents a nice straight sealing surface. Must admit I have now invested in the new silicon jobs for next time.

[John Mason]

Yes next time I will use the silicon type.. I got the cork into my cover in the following way. Leaving a little spare I started mid way across the top and pressed it in with my fingers then transferred to the vice and pressed it in fully. I continued like this 3 or 4 inches at a time working my way around. The last bit I cut to size pressed it in as before then putting a little silicon on the joint. I allowed this to cure over night before fitting to the car.

John Mason.

[Reckless Rat]

All this is fine, providing the valve chest cover is the correct shape and hasn't been distorted by overtightening, and the cork/ silicone seal stands sufficiently proud in order to create an oil tight seal against the block... it took me a while to bring mine back to shape after decades of prior abuse. I also made a pair of silicone washers to fit under the knurled screws. Even so, after a run there's always a little oil on the outside of the cover, in the bottom right hand corner, from the vent holes I guess. I can live with it.