Leaking Valve covers

[nitro1471]

Hi,
I need some advice please, I have a 350 SBC ZZ4 engine in my 1931 Model A, it has the aluminium adaptor plates fitted to enable the fitment of the standard type sbc valve covers instead of the centre bolt type, they have a rubber O ring which seals against the head face and they are leaking , I cannot find a supplier here in the UK for the O rings and wondered what you guys use, ie can I silicon the adaptor to head face.

[Henry Rifle]

Yes, you can. Use a high-temp silicone. Put a small bead of it all around the adapter plate. Then tighten the bolts - but be careful not to squeeze all the silicone out.

I've used it for header gaskets, pan gaskets, waterpump gaskets - just about anything on a motor except the head gaskets.

[Henry Rifle]

. . . or, do what Denny said.

Another episode of simultaneous typing.

Denny, you're quicker on the draw than I.

[nitro1471]

Thanks guys, one last question, can I use a clear silicon or should I use the black or red as suggested by DennyW

[Henry Rifle]

Hi temp comes in black and red. I'd use red in your case. Let it dry, then scrape off the squeeze-out with a razor blade.