Hargett valve cover leaks

1Bad86 · 03-23-2021, 10:06 AM

Good afternoon pelicans, I purchased a set of the Hargett billet aluminum valve covers for my 86 to try to resolve the infamous leaky covers. My issue is my engine is twin plugged and there is a fairly large leak from both lower covers around the sparkplug holes. My old covers leaked there and I suspected they were warped so hey, a good reason to upgrade right! I must say the Hargett covers are very nice and feel like quality pieces but they leak like the factory turbo covers they replaced. I installed the correct 964 rubber gaskets and the factory upper oil line restrictors but I can't get them to stop leaking around the sparkplug holes. It's enough to cover the rear of the car in oil mist after a run around the curves. I know about the RSR o rings for the rocker arms and that may be the next step if nothing else is suggested. I couldn't find a website for Hargett anymore only general information and a phone number. All products seem to be sold through distributers now. I thought about giving them a call but wanted to ask the knowledge base first. Thanks everyone

Jeff Alton · 03-23-2021, 08:23 PM

I am guessing this is a 3.2 motor converted to twin plug?

Where exactly is the leak? Can you please post pictures? If you had later factory turbo lower covers modified they still should not have leaked. The Hargett or other aftermarket lower covers are not a solution as a modified Turbo style cover should not leak. They are a bling modification. Never had an issue on a twin plug motor.

Again, post pics of the actual areas where the "leak" is present so we can help...

1Bad86 · 03-24-2021, 05:49 AM

I'll take some pictures tonight. Motor is a 3.3 and the old original turbo covers were drilled to accept the lower plugs. I had just hoped the new covers with the updated gasket design may seal that area better to prevent oil getting past in the "void area" where there shouldn't be any oil. I'm calling the area where the head is machined for the lower plugs the "void". I need to drain the oil and then I'll pull one of the covers off to get a picture of the inside area that I believe is passing the oil. I'll update soon....Ben

john walker's workshop · 03-24-2021, 07:31 AM

The cam tower gasket surface can get pretty crusty over the years and may need a good scraping to be smooth again. Just a thought.

Walt Fricke · 03-24-2021, 02:18 PM

I'd suspect rocker shaft leaking before I'd suspect the valve cover for leaking in the void area.

Marc Bixen · Marc Bixen's Garage

, 1986 Aluminum V.C.'s DON'T LEAK, & DON'T WARP Your leak is elsewhere. Waste of $700!

1Bad86 · 04-02-2021, 07:25 AM

Pretty sure it's the rocker shafts so I ordered the RSR orings, new bolts, nut's, and bushings. I don't feel the valve covers were a waste as they are very nice and go with my current set up. I'm only going to do the lowers for now and I'll report my findings after the repair. Thanks everyone!