Valve Cover Gaskets - Both

Replace both valve cover gaskets on the 302ci V8 to eliminate oil leaks and restore proper crankcase ventilation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve cover gasket - driver side × 1 — Use OEM specification or Fel-Pro VS50015R
• Valve cover gasket - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM specification or Fel-Pro VS50015R
• Valve cover bolt grommets (if equipped) × 12 — Use OEM specification
• PCV valve grommet × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely (at least 1 hour after running)
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starter engagement
4. Remove air cleaner assembly and set aside
5. Label and photograph any vacuum hoses or wiring that must be moved for access

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove driver side valve cover accessories
   Disconnect the PCV valve from the driver side valve cover by pulling straight up. Disconnect the oil filler cap and tube assembly. Remove any spark plug wire brackets attached to the valve cover bolts. On vehicles with air conditioning, you may need to disconnect one vacuum line from the intake manifold for clearance.
2. 2

   Remove driver side valve cover bolts
   Remove the valve cover bolts using a 1/2" socket (verify bolt head size on your specific cover). Work from the outside bolts toward the center to prevent warping the cover. Note the location of any brackets or clips attached to specific bolts for reinstallation. Keep the rubber grommets if they are in good condition.
3. 3

   Remove driver side valve cover
   Gently pry the valve cover loose using a flat blade screwdriver at the designated pry points (typically at the corners). Do not pry against the gasket surface. Once loose, lift the cover straight up and away. If the gasket sticks to the head, leave it in place for now.
4. 4

   Remove passenger side valve cover accessories
   Disconnect the breather hose from the passenger side valve cover. Remove the oil filler tube if it is mounted on this side. Disconnect any spark plug wire brackets attached to the valve cover bolts. The passenger side typically has fewer obstructions than the driver side.
5. 5

   Remove passenger side valve cover bolts
   Remove the valve cover bolts using a 1/2" socket (verify bolt head size on your specific cover). Work from the outside bolts toward the center. Note the location of any brackets attached to specific bolts.
6. 6

   Remove passenger side valve cover
   Gently pry the valve cover loose using a flat blade screwdriver at the designated pry points. Lift the cover straight up and away once loose.
7. 7

   Clean valve cover gasket surfaces
   Remove all old gasket material from both valve covers using a razor blade scraper. Be careful not to gouge the sealing surface. Clean the surfaces with brake cleaner and wipe dry with lint-free rags. Inspect the covers for warping by placing them on a flat surface; replace if warped more than 0.010 inches.
8. 8

   Clean cylinder head gasket surfaces
   Carefully remove all old gasket material from both cylinder head valve cover rails using a razor blade scraper. Work carefully to avoid gouging the cast iron head surface. Use a wire brush for stubborn residue, then clean thoroughly with brake cleaner. Ensure no gasket material or debris falls into the engine; stuff clean rags into the pushrod valleys if necessary. Verified detail (The 1972 Ford 302ci V8 uses cast iron cylinder heads, not aluminum heads.): Work carefully to avoid scratching the cast iron head surface.
9. 9

   Inspect valve train and install new gaskets
   With the covers off, visually inspect rocker arms, pushrods, and valve springs for obvious damage or wear. Check that all rocker arm bolts are tight. Install the new gaskets onto the valve covers. Original stamped-steel covers use a flat gasket seated on the flange; some aftermarket covers have a molded groove. Apply a thin bead of gasket sealant to hold cork/composite gaskets in place if needed. Ensure the gaskets are fully seated in the covers with no twists or gaps.
10. 10

    Install passenger side valve cover
    Position the passenger side valve cover with gasket onto the cylinder head. Ensure the gasket remains seated in the cover groove as you lower it into place. Install new rubber grommets onto the bolts if the old ones are hardened or damaged. Start all 6 bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening any.
11. 11

    Tighten passenger side valve cover bolts
    Tighten the valve cover bolts in a criss-cross pattern from center outward to 72-84 inch-pounds (6-7 ft-lbs). If you do not have a torque wrench, tighten until snug plus 1/8 turn. Do not overtighten as this will crush the gasket and may strip the threads in the cast iron head. The gasket should compress evenly with no gaps visible. Verified detail (The 1972 Ford 302ci V8 has cast iron heads, not aluminum heads.): Do not overtighten as this will crush the gasket and may strip the threads in the cast iron head. Verified detail (Ford 302 stamped-steel valve cover bolt torque is typically 36-84 inch-pounds (roughly 3-7 ft-lbs) into cast iron heads. 120 in-lbs (10 ft-lbs) is likely too high and risks distorting the stamped cover. Verify against factory spec.): Tighten the valve cover bolts in a criss-cross pattern from center outward to 36-60 inch-pounds (verify against factory spec). Verified detail (Verify the correct torque specification for 302ci V8 valve cover bolts on 1972 Ford F-100. Factory spec should be in inch-pounds.): 7.0 lb-ft (10.0 Nm)
12. 12

    Install driver side valve cover
    Position the driver side valve cover with gasket onto the cylinder head. Ensure the gasket remains properly seated. Install new rubber grommets onto the bolts if needed. Start all 6 bolts by hand before tightening any.
13. 13

    Tighten driver side valve cover bolts
    Tighten the valve cover bolts in a criss-cross pattern from center outward to 72-84 inch-pounds (6-7 ft-lbs). Use the same tightening technique as the passenger side. Ensure even compression of the gasket around the entire perimeter. Verified detail (302 valve cover torque is typically 36-84 inch-pounds into cast iron heads; 120 in-lbs is likely too high for the stamped steel cover. Verify against factory spec.): Tighten the valve cover bolts in a criss-cross pattern from center outward to 36-60 inch-pounds (verify against factory spec).
14. 14

    Reinstall accessories and components
    Install a new PCV valve grommet if the old one is hardened, then press the PCV valve into the driver side valve cover. Reinstall the oil filler tube and cap. Reconnect the breather hose to the passenger side. Reinstall all spark plug wire brackets, ensuring wires are properly routed and secured. Reconnect any vacuum lines that were removed.
15. 15

    Reinstall air cleaner and reconnect battery
    Reinstall the air cleaner assembly and secure all connections. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Double-check that all tools and rags have been removed from the engine compartment.

Reassembly

1. Torque valve cover bolts in a criss-cross pattern to prevent gasket distortion and ensure even sealing
2. Replace rubber grommets and PCV grommet if they show any signs of hardening or cracking
3. Ensure all spark plug wires are properly routed and secured in their brackets to prevent contact with hot exhaust manifolds

Verification

• Start the engine and allow it to idle for 2-3 minutes while inspecting both valve covers for oil leaks
• Check around all bolt locations and the front and rear corners of the valve covers where leaks commonly occur
• Rev the engine to 2000 RPM briefly and recheck for leaks under increased crankcase pressure
• After a short test drive, recheck valve cover bolt tightness and inspect again for any seepage

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