stock valve cover limits

[ekacpuc]

When do the stock valve covers cause issues? I've seen mixed info...

in my search I found where I recommended bolt ons.. I take it back. With the empi covers (C channel) you have to shorten the bolts (should get new ones with a shoulder so O ring can seal) and be careful how much you torque them because they'll tear up the rubber gaskets.


I'd like to take stock valve covers and weld some channels on the inside to help with gasket suck and a couple bent washers on outside to keep branches from poppin the bails off.


I do have CB 1.4 rockers though.. They don't seem like they poke up higher than stock style but its been awhile since Ive had them side by side.. I might have to order a new set of valve covers and while they are cheap I don't wanna order anything I couldn't use.. I saw alum high clearance covers but I'd like to weld washers to the outside and HATE welding alum and honestly havent seen what series aluminum they use anyways.

[modok]

The only problem I am aware of is that.....IF high ratio rockers were made correctly, they would not fit under a stock valve cover.
Someday I may need to address this problem.

With the right procedure, and good cork/rubber gaskets, you should have no gasket problems.

Wire brush the valve cover to at least partly bare metal where the gasket sits on, glue it on with some 518, put it on with the other side dry on the head. It will be glued in place nicely.
Needing tabs and thingies to hold the gakset in place is what was needed before adequate glue was invented, or for people who don't use gasket goo, but I do. Better living through chemistry.

518 is not the only type of "adhesive sealant" that can be used, but it's the only one I keep in stock, because it has a long shelf life.

[evanfrucht]

Ya I was going to say the same thing. There is nothing wrong with a good german one, just glue the gasket to the cover and that is it.

Bolt-on valve covers are a gimmick, plus the stock ones look way better anyway
_________________
1967 Bug ( the daily rod )
1964 Fury Wagon ( the pavement shredder )

[allamaabroad]

The key is using good original German ones. All the repros I've seen suck and have issues that make them impossible to seal. Glue between the V/C and gasket. Get the sealing surface on the head perfectly clean and dry, and make sure the bales are nice and tight.

Bolt ons are shit
_________________
Dennis - 1973 Super Beetle ('16-'21)
Debbie- 1970 Baywindow Bus ('21 - Present)
Tin top camper/adventure bus

2180 TW: CNC Panchitos, Beehives Done Right, Web 163, Ultralight Lifters, 1.3 Rockers, CSP Python, Custom Speeduino EFI Conversion with 40mm Throttle Bodies

Distributors are lame

I have a really hard time leaving things alone...

Innovative and affordable engine management systems and EFI conversions for your Vintage VW
Visit https://debbiesaircooled.com/

[nextgen]

I totally agree, if one guy had trouble with valve covers it is me with the T-4 covers.

Stock original are the best, just make sure they when placed on a flat surface they do not rock from from side to side. I like a glass table .

You can try to just put them on the head with only a gasket and if you drive away and no leaks great . For me with the T-4 covers I just glue them on with gasket seal. Screw the fact you will have to scrape the glue off next time you adjust your valves.

After market parts are getting so bad, a few years ago I bought a set of after market TRIPLE Chrome Plated 74 bumpers. After the first rain they started to rust ( triple chrome plated ) Ha.

Later I bought a set of 45 year old used original bumper, no rust and one weighed as much as the two after market bumpers.
_________________
email: [email protected]
The TYPE IV UPRIGHT CONVERSION MANUAL
BEETLE MAGNETIC DEFLECTOR SHIELDS
LETS TALK DUBS https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=joe+cali+ghia https://letstalkdubs.libsyn.com/ep-200-joe-cali-ty...qI3xJTCzjs

[ekacpuc]

Thanks for the input.


I saw some guys running 1.4s with stock covers but not many. I'll dig around and see if I can find my german set. If I cant I suppose I'll get clip ons from CB or something so I know they'll clear.


I forgot I used sealant on one side. I was worried even running tacks that I'd warp a set of covers.

[txoval]

You should be able to run stock covers with CB rockers (1.4’s).

I have a can of 3M spray adhesive that I’ve had for years. Spray it on side of the gasket, let it get tacky, and stick it on the VC and install.

Berg sells used/original VC’s that have been powdercoated.

[Chip]

[k@rlos]

I ran stock covers with 1.4’s, my engine builder has an fk89, 1.4’s and stock covers without issue

[stealth67vw]

I run stock German on everything I possibly can. My current low 12 second 2276 with Web 86c and CB 1.4s (.560 lift) clear with no problem. I have run stock covers on Comp Eliminators heads with Pauter 1.4s and .600 valve lift but had to dimple them at the adjuster screw to clear. I will run stock covers on my next engine that will use 48 x 38 Comp Eliminators, FK-89 and Pauter 1.5s.
_________________
John Bates
JB Machining Services
1967 street Bug 2276 w/ 48 IDAs, 2020lbs with driver
7.76 @ 89.55mph 1/8 mile
12.34 and 108.10 mph 1/4 mile

[petrol punk]

I never had any issues with the CSP bolt on valve covers other than they barely clear the body. Stock german with tabs welded in to prevent gasket suck and RTV'ing the gasket to the valve cover works great too. And since they're steel they're easy to modify to fit ratio rockers or vents if needed.
_________________
36hp '56 European DeLuxe oval, '70 bug 1835cc dual 36DRLA, and a '98 4x4 5spd single cab Tacoma

[kangaboy]

[oprn]

The 1600 DP engine that came with my Buggy did have issues with valve cover clearance. I have no idea what it has for cam or rocker ratio, it has elephant foot adjusters. I do know that the engine is nothing special in the power department. These chrome covers may or may not be stock but I fixed the problem with a socket and a ballpeen hammer.

_________________
We had the stone age, the bronze age, the industrial age and now we are in the age of mass deception and mind control for corporate profit. (The mass media age)

[Bad bug]

[mark tucker]

the "C" channel valve covers need some work before they are used to keep from damaging the seals. I square up the serface then add a nice raidi so they will not cut into the gasket/ seal I have well over 130000 miles on those with no leeks and never have changed the gaskets. like everything else, you have to be smarter than the part your trying to use. nothing is ready to go right out of the box. not even a big mac.