[Westmoor1963]

I have the cylinder head cover removed and notice there are 2 gaskets with a thin metal plate between the gaskets. I can purchase a new gasket that is identical to 1 of the gaskets. The new gasket would fit on either side of the plate, but the original gasket has more surface area than the replacement.
Should I try to find an exact copy of the original gasket?
Thanks,
Ken

 

[Tim Allman]

When you look at the underside of the cover you can see that it looks like a little hedge maze. When the 'top' of the hedge is covered by the gasket and the aluminium plate it becomes a channel for blowby gases which go to the hose connector and then out the rubber tube. Because of its design it separates oil from the gases and returns the oil to the engine. The small holes in the gasket and the plate feed this system. Note that the small holes must be on the low, i.e. the front, side in order for the oil to drain back into the engine.

So, yes you should find the appropriate gasket. Happily, they are still available either singly or as part of a gasket set for very reasonable prices. It's also an easy one to cut from a sheet of gasket paper.

 

[Westmoor1963]

Tim, It looks like I will be making a gasket. The xacto blade might work for this.
Thank you for your help.
Ken

 

[mike in idaho]

Two "top" gaskets will work there, all they need to do is seal the outer edge of the cover to keep the oil in. The oil separator plate will still function as intended.

 

[Westmoor1963]

Mike, Your explanation is good.
Thank you for your help.
Ken

 

[Tim Allman]

Two "top" gaskets will work there, all they need to do is seal the outer edge of the cover to keep the oil in. The oil separator plate will still function as intended.

Mike,
I wonder if it would be wise to use two top gaskets. If my memory is correct, the top of the cam sprocket sits a bit above the cylinder head and would immediately punch a hole in the bottom gasket. Even if this isn't a problem, it could develop because using a second top gasket would leave a large area of it unsupported. If it were to sag after repeated exposures to hot oil it would contact the sprocket and this would indeed be a serious problem. Much better I think to use the correct bottom gasket.

 

[Westmoor1963]

I believe I found the correct bottom gasket on E-Bay. The picture looks like the original factory gasket.
This forum is very helpful.
Ken