Valve Cover Hold Downs 304

Looking for a few valve cover hold down tabs/washers, anyone know where to find them, OEM type

 

You mean the shaped steel washers that go between the valve covers and the bolts? They are different depending on the year. I'd think used is your only option if you want OEM. Or make something to fit, paint them the same color as the valve covers, and no one will know.

Try the WTB forums on the Wagoneer forums or maybe Jeepforum.

 

If I remember correctly Chevy engines from the 60’s used those tabs on their valve covers. Perhaps a Chevy restoration parts house might have them.

 

Sound stupid for a question, but are those will help give a better seal ? since it will distribute the hold down force on a larger area ?

 

I believe the tabs do help in spreading the downward pressure.

 

I presume, like Dphillip writes, that they distribute the force from the bolt over a larger area. Often people over-tighten valve covers which bends them around the bolt holes and makes them leak. You can distort the heck out of a valve cover or oil pan if you reef on the attaching screws. Likely these washers help prevent that.

TSM has a spec for these screws in in-lb, BTW.

 

The parts manual only shows them being used up to 1976.
After that they changed the bolt; must have a washer built in on the bolt.

 

These are for a Chevy but would probably work for other applications.



https://www.cfrperformance.com/CHEVY_SMALL_BLOCK_MINI_HOLD_DOWN_TAB_VALVE_COVERS_p/hz-9067-pbk.htm