Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines 194-250 valve cover

Does anyone know where I can find a valve cover for an early 194 engine? There are ads on eBay for dozens of valve covers for this engine, but they all seem to be for the later years of production, and for use with the stock air cleaner, and have a large hole in the driver side of the valve cover. I need one that only has the oil cap hole and the PCV valve hole in it on the top of the valve cover, and no hole in the side. I think this type was used from 1962 to about 1965 or 66. Or does anyone make a plug for the hole in the side of the cover? And ideas or information will be gratefully accepted and appreciated.

The L6 valve cover was common all the way up to the 292s. The grommet [~1-1/8" , cup shaped] the dealer sells for the side air cleaner/oil breather is usually solid and has to be cut open to use the air breather. Don't cut it and there's your plug. May be available at Checker / Autozone etc, too.

You can also buy a replacement rubber cap that went into the valve covers of GM engines both inlines and V types in the early 70's. Made of black rubber and says OIL on it. Just pushes right into the breather and vent tube holes. Obviously it doesn't look as clean as using the earlier valve cover with only 2 holes on the top but will get you bye until you find the cover you are looking for. Any auto parts emporium should have them for about 2 dollars. Usually found in the aisle with PCV valves and oil fill caps.

I may still have one or two with out a whole in the side.I'll try and look over the weekend.

I bought a clifford one from clifford.net But the finish was just crap on it and the fins had a bunch of burrs, so i sent it back a few months ago..still have not recieved my money back or credit for it yet, so i would try to stay away from them..
I found a valve cover on ebay from the Boat Mercury Cruiser 250, it's a nice aluminum one also way better finish and much cheaper.

Thanks, guys, especially Larry and redtech. I've seen a few of the old Clifford valve covers, and they looked pretty good, but those were the OLD Clifford valve covers. I kind of get the impression that Clifford's quality has slipped a bit since Jack Clifford died, but that's just an impression.........nothing to back it up with, so don't spread that around. I'll see what I can find out about MerCruiser. I've heard of them before, but didn't know they were still available.

Zeke,

The Cliffords are still a decent valve cover. I bought mine about a year and half ago.It is taller than stock, but still needs work to clear roller rockers;I don't remember you going that way though. Mercrusier covers are nice and you can pick them up on ebay for under $50. I have one at home if you want to check it out before you spend the money.

Bruce

Thanks, Bruce, I'd love to see the Mercruiser cover in person. And as a matter of fact, I am planning on using roller rockers. Crower makes some stainless steel roller rockers for Chevy 194-292 sixes that sound real interesting. They're 1.75 ratio and are available for both 3/8 and 7/16 stud sizes. Crower part # is 73629-12 for the 3/8 rocker studs, and 73631-12 for the 7/16 studs. I'll probably try and catch up with you after Christmas.

Zeke,
I have the 73631s on my 63. Before you spend money on a cover, you will probably want to check a couple of things out......
Bruce

Any square style Roller rock Like the Crane Golds The first and Last rocker will need to be Rounded off to clear the Inside The Marine valve cover. Or the Inside of the cover may need some attending.