Oil leak/AFR Heads and LT4 Valve covers

Hey guys I have an oil leak coming from the back of both valve covers. I tried replacing the gaskets, but no luck. They are Afr 190 heads and Lt4 composite valve covers. I thought I seen a member here post that he had to turn the stud shorter to squash the gasket more but not sure and a search didn't pull anything. Is anyone else having any problems with this setup? Thanks for any info.....John

i am having the same problem with oil leaking from the back of the valve covers but i am running canfields and moroso covers. at first the bolts were not very tight. i snugged them down and it slowed it but is still leaking. i was thinking the valve covers might be warped a little. but it could be the bolts are just a bit too long.

There is some gasket sealer called "The right stuff". Your supposed to just put a 1/8 inch bead of sealer on one side of the gasket(the side that touches the valve cover not the head). Then you stick the gasket to the valve cover. When you put the cover on, just snug the bolts enough to squeeze the sealer. After a couple of days you may have to retorque. This will give you a good seal that will endure many valve cover removals.:)

Also make sure you don't have the dreaded rear intake manifold oil leak.

Hey guys I have an oil leak coming from the back of both valve covers. I tried replacing the gaskets, but no luck. They are Afr 190 heads and Lt4 composite valve covers. I thought I seen a member here post that he had to turn the stud shorter to squash the gasket more but not sure and a search didn't pull anything. Is anyone else having any problems with this setup? Thanks for any info.....John

The bolt holes on the AFR heads are more shallow than on the stock heads. Cut about a 1/4in off of your valve cover bolts or use a few washers and your leaks will go away.

I'll try the washer trick first. Thanks for the replies guys.....John

hey B you need anything for your car?(im the one who bought your heads a while back) I have a **** load of stuff for sale.

You changed your screen name I see. Hows your car going? Whacha got F/S?........John

Everything is f/s..going LS1. trickflow heads,my backup motor,turbo kit,rockers..a **** load of things..what do you need?

Nothing real just looking. Good luck, Thanks.....John

The bolt holes on the AFR heads are more shallow than on the stock heads. Cut about a 1/4in off of your valve cover bolts or use a few washers and your leaks will go away.

>I agree with the washers I used a couple of washers per center bolt (larger and smaller on top) and went back to the stock valve covers which were painted and clearanced for the roller rockers.

Thanks guys, seems the washer trick worked. Much easier than taking everything apart. Maybe next winter;) Thanks again....John

Glad you got it worked out. It probably makes no difference now, but I am running AFR 180 heads on LT4 valve covers, and I never had any issues with leaks.

Glad you got it worked out. It probably makes no difference now, but I am running AFR 180 heads on LT4 valve covers, and I never had any issues with leaks.
>this is what my setup looks like with AFR 195cc LT4 heads and painted stock valve covers and T-trim (FMIC in progress)

http://i14.tinypic.com/4mucpqq.jpg
notice the washers on the valve covers