[Shotimes] Valve cover bolt washers

[clubairth@bellsouth.net]

Yes. That's how the O-ring is listed for sizes at Lowe's. I guess you could 
specify the diameter of the rubber too. I still am looking for the standard 
size O-ring number? I think it's a 215 or 218 but have not been able to 
cross it over? You really don't want a washer. This is what's wrong with the 
factory style seal. The clamping force of the bolt will flatten things out. 
Look at the factory seals to see what I mean. The O-ring does a very good 
job of keeping the oil from migrating up the bolt stem.

 You really want a "Viton" O-ring but for this application I hardly think it 
needs anything special! That's what's used in good valve stem seals, like 
Fel-Pro. I wonder what the factory seals are made of? They get pretty hard 
and stiff with age. I find that I split them if I am not careful in taking 
them off. Several years ago I pulled them off and never broke any! Age/heat 
and use I guess.
.
.



> Hold the phone... you stated "o-ring", but also "16mmOD x 11mmID" - this 
> would be a washer, correct? Using washers rather than o-rings is what I am 
> aiming for.
>
> Speaking of, anyone know their rubber? I queried a rubber mfg and was told 
> to use nitrile rubber for automotive applications (swithstands most 
> petroleum products), but I was turned off by the max operating temperature 
> of 120F. Wouldn't silicone rubber be the best (500F) and stand up ok to 
> engine oil?
>
> David
>
>

>>
>>This has already been done. All you need to do is add a O-ring under the
>>head of the bolt in addition to the factory seals. Search the forum. You 
>>can
>>get them at Lowe's. You need a 16mm OD X 11mm ID O-ring. Very common. 
>>Every
>>valve cover I take off gets the O-ring trick!!
>>.
>>.
>>.
>>
>>
>>
>>> While were on the subject, how many would be interested in washers to 
>>> seal
>>> the valve cover bolts? I'm thinking $10/set would do well to cover my
>>> costs. This would be for the six center bolts only, and they would be 
>>> used
>>> in conjunction with the original seals.
>>>
>>> David