Engine Valve Cover Gasket Sets for the 1964-1972 Ford Custom
Stop oil leaks and burning smells by choosing the right valve cover gasket for your classic Ford's engine.
- You must verify your specific engine (I6, Small-Block V8, FE V8) before ordering, as gaskets are not interchangeable.
- The choice between cork and rubber gaskets is important; many classic Ford owners prefer thick cork gaskets for a better seal on original stamped-steel covers.
- Do not overtighten the valve cover bolts; this is the most common cause of leaks, as it warps the cover and crushes the gasket.
- Thoroughly cleaning the mating surfaces on both the cylinder head and the valve cover is critical for a leak-free installation.
Is Your Ford Custom's Engine Leaking Oil?
A common source of oil leaks on classic cars like the 1964-1972 Ford Custom is a failed valve cover gasket. Over decades of heat cycles, the original gasket material becomes hard, brittle, and compressed, losing its ability to seal properly. This allows oil to seep out, making a mess of your engine and garage floor.
Symptoms of a Failing Valve Cover Gasket
- Visible Oil Leaks: You may see oil residue or grime collecting on the valve cover itself, or notice oil running down the side of the engine.
- Burning Oil Smell: This is a classic sign. Oil drips from the valve cover onto the hot exhaust manifold, where it burns off and creates a distinct, unpleasant smell that can enter the cabin.
- Smoke from the Engine Bay: If the leak is significant, you might see smoke coming from under the hood as the oil burns off the exhaust.
- Low Engine Oil: A persistent leak will cause your engine oil level to drop over time, which can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed.
Important: Verify Your Engine
The 1964-1972 Ford Custom was available with a wide range of engines, from inline-six cylinders to small-block (like the 289) and big-block FE V8s (like the 390). The valve cover gaskets are specific to the engine family. Always confirm which engine is in your car before ordering parts to avoid mistakes.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Gasket
For a vintage vehicle, you won't be buying a "new OEM" gasket from Ford. The aftermarket offers modern materials that are often superior to the original designs. The main choice you'll make is between cork and rubber compounds.
Gasket Material: Cork vs. Rubber
- Cork & Cork-Rubber: This is the traditional material. Many classic Ford owners and mechanics prefer high-quality, thick cork gaskets. They have excellent compressibility and can seal imperfections on older, stamped-steel valve covers. Brands like Fel-Pro offer cork-rubber composites that blend the compressibility of cork with the durability of rubber. The downside is that pure cork can dry out and shrink over time, and it's generally considered a single-use gasket.
- Molded Rubber/Silicone: Modern rubber gaskets offer superior durability and are often reusable, which is a benefit if you frequently adjust your valves. However, some builders of classic Ford engines have had less luck with rubber gaskets sealing properly on stock valve covers, especially on FE engines. They perform best on clean, flat surfaces and with cast aluminum valve covers.
Installation Best Practices
The biggest cause of new gasket leaks is installation error. First, ensure the valve cover's sealing flange is perfectly flat and not bent or "dimpled" around the bolt holes. This is a common result of previous over-tightening. Second, thoroughly clean both the cylinder head and the valve cover surfaces. Finally, do NOT overtighten the bolts. Use a torque wrench and follow the specifications, which are typically very low (around 3-5 ft-lbs). Cranking down on the bolts will distort the cover and crush the gasket, causing a leak.
Aftermarket Brand Tiers
Your choice of brand can impact the quality and longevity of the repair.
- Premium Tier (Fel-Pro, Cometic): Fel-Pro is a highly respected name in the aftermarket gasket industry, and their Blue Stripe cork-rubber gaskets are a popular choice for classic American engines. They are known for quality materials and engineering that often improve on original designs. Cometic is known for high-performance, multi-layered steel gaskets, which would be overkill for a stock application but are a top-tier option.
- Standard Tier (Victor Reinz, Edelbrock): These brands offer reliable, quality replacement gaskets that meet or exceed original specifications. Victor Reinz is a well-regarded OEM supplier and aftermarket brand. Edelbrock is a major name in the performance aftermarket and offers quality components to match their other engine parts.
- Economy Tier (Mr. Gasket, store brands): While functional, some forum users have noted that base-level Mr. Gasket cork gaskets can be thin and may not seal as well as thicker options from other brands. These can be a budget-friendly choice, but careful installation is even more critical.
| Part Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket | $25.30 - $73.94 |
| Shop Labor | $90 - $200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use cork or rubber gaskets for my Ford Custom?
Many enthusiasts prefer thick cork or cork-rubber gaskets for the stamped steel valve covers common on these cars, as they compress well and can seal minor imperfections. Rubber gaskets are more durable and reusable but require very clean, flat surfaces to seal properly. If you have aftermarket cast aluminum valve covers, rubber is an excellent choice.
Do I need to use sealant or RTV with the new gasket?
Generally, no. High-quality gaskets from brands like Fel-Pro are designed to be installed dry on clean surfaces. Using too much sealant can cause it to squeeze into the engine and clog oil passages. The only place a small dab of RTV is sometimes recommended is at the corners where the intake manifold meets the cylinder head.
What is the most common mistake when replacing valve cover gaskets?
Over-tightening the valve cover bolts is the most common mistake. It bends the thin stamped-steel covers, creating a dimple around the bolt hole and preventing the gasket from sealing properly. Always tighten bolts to the manufacturer's low torque specification in a staggered pattern.
Are there any recalls for valve cover gaskets on the 1964-1972 Ford Custom?
No. A search of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database shows no recalls for engine valve cover gaskets for this vehicle. Recalls for components like this are rare, especially on vehicles of this age.
Technical Specifications
Gasket material is the primary specification, with choices including cork, cork-rubber composite, and molded rubber/silicone. The correct gasket shape is determined by the vehicle's specific engine (e.g., Ford FE V8, Windsor V8, or Inline-6).
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.