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Old 02-11-2021, 06:31 PM   #1
Patrick brophy
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Default 312 Y Block valve cover studs

I am attempting to put the valve covers on my new rebuilt 312 Y block.I ordered new gaskets and when I went to put them on I found that the studs were too short.
After doing some research I found that there are two size studs for the Y Block motors,one for the steel valve covers and one aluminum fined valve covers.
I have the aluminum ones ,so I ordered the ones for them.
I received them today and they are the same size as the ones I have.
With the cork gasket on the valve covers,when I put the rubber bushing on the stud,the top of the stud is even with the top of the bushing. I cannot put the chrome washer nor the chrome acorn nut on the stud.
Any suggestions ?
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Old 02-11-2021, 07:01 PM   #2
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Default Re: 312 Y Block valve cover studs

MUMMERT Y-BLOCK sells two different lengths 3.75 and (4.25 used for aluminum valve covers I don't know what size you have. Best site for y-block parts maybe they got your order wrong ?
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Old 02-11-2021, 07:39 PM   #3
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Default Re: 312 Y Block valve cover studs

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Originally Posted by ALLTIN33 View Post
MUMMERT Y-BLOCK sells two different lengths 3.75 and (4.25 used for aluminum valve covers I don't know what size you have. Best site for y-block parts maybe they got your order wrong ?
I have used MUMMERT in the past, great people to work with ,in fact the rods and cam for this motor came from him.
The new studs that I got today are 4 1/8 inch long, which is the longer of the two lengths sold. It was the same as I already had.
It did not solve the issue.
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Old 02-11-2021, 07:56 PM   #4
Dobie Gillis
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Default Re: 312 Y Block valve cover studs

How about all thread cut to your desired length? Since you're using acorn nuts no one will know it's there except you.
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Old 02-11-2021, 08:51 PM   #5
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Default Re: 312 Y Block valve cover studs

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How about all thread cut to your desired length? Since you're using acorn nuts no one will know it's there except you.
The studs are duel thread. Course thread into the block, and fine thread into the acorn nut. The stud also serves as a bolt for the rocker arm. There is just a small amount of course threads at the bottom of the stud, and the upper portion of the stud is is fine thread. There is a flat and lock washer with a nut that is the second fastner for the rocker arm. One on each side of the tube.
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Old 02-12-2021, 09:42 AM   #6
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Question Re: 312 Y Block valve cover studs

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Are you describing THUNDERBIRD ALUM COVERS or aftermarket?
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Old 02-12-2021, 09:59 AM   #7
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Default Re: 312 Y Block valve cover studs

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Originally Posted by KULTULZ View Post
Are you describing THUNDERBIRD ALUM COVERS or aftermarket?
Thunderbird
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Old 02-12-2021, 07:23 PM   #8
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Default Re: 312 Y Block valve cover studs

Years ago I read an article that suggested running a nut down the stud, putting the rubber washer on upside down inside the valve cover (seated on the new nut) then placing the valve cover in place. After a couple tries adjusting it you put just the chrome washer and acorn nut on. It sealed from the inside, and prevented over tightening the valve cover and squishing the valve cover to head gasket out by over tightening. I've never tried it, so I don't know. But if it works it might give you just enough to start the acorn nut, compress the gasket properly and make it work.

Too many cars and too many years to remember and explain it clearly.
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Old 02-12-2021, 08:25 PM   #9
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Question Re: 312 Y Block valve cover studs

This is strange. Are the rocker covers GENUINE FORD or are they repros?

You might want to post this @ Y-Blocksforever.com as someone there has had to go through it.

Mike does have a good suggestion but why would you have to do it?

Here are the hardware specs -
Attached Images
File Type: jpg FYB - STUD - Rocker Arm Supt.jpg (30.0 KB, 23 views)
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Old 02-12-2021, 08:27 PM   #10
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Default Re: 312 Y Block valve cover studs

I used this method for the seals of the valley cover because I have heard they were too thick and the intake hit the bolts.


I cut the rubber piece in half so it was thinner.
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Old 02-12-2021, 08:35 PM   #11
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Default Re: 312 Y Block valve cover studs

I had a similar problem on my '54 Merc 256 Y-block. I removed the rubber grommets then put a regular nut (not acorn) and washer on and tightened the valve covers down. I then removed the nuts and washers, and replaced them with the rubber grommets and bushings. This had compressed the cork gaskets enough to get the acorn nuts started, and I tightened them down as needed. Be sure to coat the cork gaskets on both sides with gasket sealer. These Y-blocks are known to leak oil from the valve cover gaskets.
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Old 02-12-2021, 08:49 PM   #12
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Default Re: 312 Y Block valve cover studs

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Originally Posted by KULTULZ View Post
This is strange. Are the rocker covers GENUINE FORD or are they repros?

You might want to post this @ Y-Blocksforever.com as someone there has had to go through it.

Mike does have a good suggestion but why would you have to do it?

Here are the hardware specs -
They are Genuine Ford valve covers.
At first I thought that the studs were the short ones and bought the longer ones ,not knowing just which ones I had.
I bought the valve cover gaskets from a Thunderbird jobber,so I am sure I have the correct gasket.
The rubber insert that fits under the chrome washer is not that thick,yet it is even with the top of the stud without the chrome washer and acorn nut.

Mike's idea is looking like a clever fix, if I cannot solve the issue.
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Old 02-12-2021, 09:07 PM   #13
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Default Re: 312 Y Block valve cover studs

Not my idea. Best guess is it came from the y-nota-y-block build by Doc Frohmander. But half the time I can't remember lunch yesterday.
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Old 02-12-2021, 09:12 PM   #14
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Thumbs up Re: 312 Y Block valve cover studs

I like the idea as the stop nut will prevent over torquing the rocker cover leading to gasket crush.
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Old 02-12-2021, 09:28 PM   #15
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Default Re: 312 Y Block valve cover studs

There's that. Oil pans, valley covers, other engine valve covers, high torque isn't always your friend with sheet metal.
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Old 02-14-2021, 03:53 AM   #16
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Question Re: 312 Y Block valve cover studs

Quote:
I read an article that suggested running a nut down the stud, putting the rubber washer on upside down inside the valve cover (seated on the new nut) then placing the valve cover in place.
Are you putting the seal under the rocker cover or on top?
Attached Images
File Type: jpg FYB - Rocker Arm Cover Gasket Set _1.jpg (48.0 KB, 30 views)
File Type: jpg FYB - Rocker Arm Cover Gasket Set _2.jpg (22.2 KB, 11 views)
File Type: jpg FYB - STUD - Rocker Arm Supt.jpg (30.0 KB, 13 views)
File Type: jpg FYB - Valvetrain - OEM _2.jpg (82.5 KB, 19 views)
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Old 02-14-2021, 08:48 AM   #17
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Default Re: 312 Y Block valve cover studs

Quote:
Originally Posted by KULTULZ View Post
Are you putting the seal under the rocker cover or on top?

Top.Never gave the underside a thought.
I guess you just push the rubber bushing on the stud and then press the valve cover down where it belongs.

Thanks KULTULZ,great find.
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Old 02-14-2021, 09:22 AM   #18
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Red face Re: 312 Y Block valve cover studs

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Originally Posted by Patrick brophy View Post

Top. Never gave the underside a thought.

I guess you just push the rubber bushing on the stud and then press the valve cover down where it belongs.
Sorry about that. CRS has me and I did not fully comprehend the problem exactly. The seal is held against the shoulder of the stud right below the thread.

Let the board know how it went.

Now the other method is more for a performance engine. It is a good idea but a little more complicated -
Attached Images
File Type: jpg FYB - Valvetrain Setup - MUMMERT Heads.jpg (48.0 KB, 26 views)
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Old 02-14-2021, 02:40 PM   #19
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Default Re: 312 Y Block valve cover studs

Is there a chance the grommets are now made a touch thicker than they used to be?

Engine gasket sets come with 6 of them. Two for the valley pan and four more for the valve covers.
Photo 1 from a couple years ago... when installing the intake manifold the front valley pan bolt under the thermostat housing was held too high by the grommet and wouldn't let the manifold sit down far enough to seal.
The rubber was removed from its attached washer and sanded down about 1/8" then reinstalled together.

I recently put the cast valve covers back on a freshly built '57 T-Bird engine and the studs just barely poked up thru the grommets. I almost had to do a repeat of the previous trick, but there was just barely enough of the stud for the nuts to start on. Photo 2, after a few weeks with some pressure on them they fit better now.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg valley pan bolt.jpg (64.9 KB, 16 views)
File Type: jpg 20201026_'57 312.jpg (72.6 KB, 15 views)

Last edited by dmsfrr; 02-15-2021 at 12:58 PM.
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Old 02-14-2021, 02:56 PM   #20
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Default Re: 312 Y Block valve cover studs

My comments were to do what K's drawing shows, with the exception of a nut below the washer/grommet to give it something to hold it up and in position. Maybe that's not needed, as I said I've never tried it.
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