Question: Gaskets

[sunger]

I am replacing the valve cover gaskets on my 68 424/400 and was very suprised to see that when I pulled the covers the old gaskets were about 3/8 thick neopreme. I have never seen gaskets that thick, and was wondering if that is normal. I have not been up to buy the new gaskets yet, but I can't imagine they will be that thick. If it is not normal, any idea why the last owner would have used them? I'm puzzled.

Thanks
Steve

 

[Vette79]

Thicker valave cover gaskets provide rocker arm clearance. If you have stock rocker arms then maybe you don't need gaskets so thick.

 

[sunger]

Thanks. I believe the rockers are stock, but maybe I'll put on a thicker gasket just to be safe. I expect I will need the gasket material and cut my own?

 

[Vette79]

Why not purchase some quality Fel-Pro gaskets from Summit already cut for your installation?

 

[sunger]

A good thought, thanks.