So I'm at RockAuto looking at valve cover gaskets for the year, model & engine of my car and I see so many listed, all different shapes. How do I know which ones I need?

We Need more info: What is your engine type? What is your cars year? We need all the same info that you plug into RA before we can answer effectively

In my original post I said that I'd plugged year, model & engine type into RA.

In my original post I said that I'd plugged year, model & engine type into RA.

 

And then you asked a question, which we can't answer without that same information...... 

 

Dan

RA is frequently confusing to navigate like this.

 

1. Rock auto usually includes *notes below each part*, read the notes. If a particular part doesn't have notes then ignore it.

 

2. Google search the part number from Rock Auto that you're interested in and unsure about. Then you'll see them listed on ebay, etc and other sites are usually more clear.

 

3. There are only three different valve covers in the 1980s (ignoring the Justy):

 

EA81 - i think is symmetric (both sides are the same), flat, and often/always cork and simple.

EA82 - each side is different, not flat, curved ends for cam caps, one side is elongated for distributor area of cam

ER27 - similar to EA82 but longer for the additional cylinders and includes more valve cover grommets

 

 

google image search those and you'll quickly see the differences and determine which one it is you need. if a rock auto part is still unclear then back to step 2 or just skip over it, don't chance it.

Edited March 2, 20188 yr by idosubaru

Thank you! This is the info I was was wanting.

 

 

RA is frequently confusing to navigate like this.

1. Rock auto usually includes *notes below each part*, read the notes. If a particular part doesn't have notes then ignore it.

2. Google search the part number from Rock Auto that you're interested in and unsure about. Then you'll see them listed on ebay, etc and other sites are usually more clear.

3. There are only three different valve covers in the 1980s (ignoring the Justy):

EA81 - i think is symmetric (both sides are the same), flat, and often/always cork and simple.
EA82 - each side is different, not flat, curved ends for cam caps, one side is elongated for distributor area of cam
ER27 - similar to EA82 but longer for the additional cylinders and includes more valve cover grommets


google image search those and you'll quickly see the differences and determine which one it is you need. if a rock auto part is still unclear then back to step 2 or just skip over it, don't chance it.

If you want them to have any chance of not leaking again - get a set from the dealer. They aren't/weren't expensive. Then also glue them thoroughly with RTV. 

 

GD

RA had a sale on some a few years ago and I stupidly bought about 5 sets as they were like a dollar each, well, ya get what you pay for, I got like 2 sets that worked fine, no grommets and a bunch of poorly packaged cork that wouldnt lay straight no mater what you did.