Searching for info re: unusual Ford 351C Valve Covers.

[kcoffield]

Originally Posted by Jac Mac

......If the studs are not dead straight & or the heads dont have the stud holes machined exactly as per the original Ford drilling/tapping accuracy you can get into a problem when tightening down the 'Acorn' nuts that fit on the stud tops where they tend to bend or deflect the stud slightly as they are tightened and in doing so the carefully set valve lash alters in the process.

This is true but it is also true for the best stud girdles such the JoMar girdles that have milled holes that clamp on the lash adjuster bodies. The girdles such as Morosso that use u-clamps exhibit this less so but IMO do not do as good of a job in holding the valvetrain.

The biggest issue for the Ford valve covers is using a thin gasket that does not take a set. Ford recommended glueing/sealing it in place. That is definitely a PITA. You only have the eight of the 1/4-20 screws to secure the cover to the head but tieng all the rockers together is really what adds the most rigidity. If a thicker compressible gasket is used, it eventually relaxes a bit and they cease to be effective girdles.

-My 2 cents.

Kelly