Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Adjusting Valves,, black or gray gaskets

[P-38]

Baught valve cover gaskets prior to adjustment. Downloaded instructions from Http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/valve_adj/12_valve.html



The instructions mentioned specifically "to replace any bad gaskets with the black gaskets, not the gray gaskets that appear similar. "



The gaskets I got from the local Dodge dealer are gray. .



Anyone have any ideas why I can't use the gray gaskets?



Thanks



John

 

[Jeff H]

I went through the same issue as you. The gray ones indicate that they have been updated. They will last longer and don't have to worry about leaking if you pull the valve cover of x amount of times. Make sure you install new O rings too.

 

[P-38]

O-Rings... No one told be about any O-rings... ahh heck. .



I wonder if I can get them at the local auto parts store or if I have to make the trip back to the dealer?



What O-rings do I ask for?



Thanks



John

 

[gitchesum]

The Cummins part # or the O-rings is 3910824 unless it has been updated.



You might try giving Cummins Southeast in Tampa a call ((813) 623-3330) for your parts. Cummins dealers can be up to 50% off the dealers prices on parts for the engine.

 

[TPCDrafting]

Just another example. I bought the entire upper end gasket kit including the head gasket a while back. Paid ~$160 from Cummins in Denver. Dodge dealer here in town wanted $450 for the exact same thing. I now have the gray valve cover gaskets. I dont' know if the blacks are even available. I was told the same thing though, the grays are updated and supposedly better.

 

[LAnthony]

My $.02

There was a time when Cummins sold both the black and grey valve cover gaskets. The grey ones where made specificaly for Ford. The 5. 9 was used in tons of medium duty Fords and the grey gaskets matched the paint on the engine. That was years ago. Now cummins just makes the one color and it happens to be the grey color, and yes it has been updated. The part # is 3930906, the o'ring they are talking about is for the bolts going though the valve cover and it is still part # 3910824. Hope that clears things up a little. -Lane- Cummins Northwest, Portland Or.

 

[PUMPERDUDE]

Local hardware or auto parts for the o-rings. No biggee.

 

[P-38]

Thank you





On my way!!



John

 

[MikeR]

The gray gaskets suck. As they get oil on them they will start to turn a little gummy. Next time you take off your valve covers, the gray ones stretch out and are practically impossible to get back on. This has happened on every 12v I've worked on that has the grays. They suck!





-Mike

 

[bighammer]

Got no O rings in mine, and all is well.

 

[DOWG]

The o-rings are on the studs that come up through the valve covers so you can tighten them; no o-rings = big mess.

 

[Hammer]

Valve Cover gasket sets....

P-38...

I had the same experience with the grey covers as already stated above. When the went on the first time the were just the same as the others,first time they came off and were reinstalled can you say oil leak !!!. The back 2 were the worst,leaked like a un-capped oil derrick. When I decided to fix them the other weekend and numerous other oil leaks it was on a Saturday and neither Cummins or the stealer was open. I made a call to my local auto parts store low and behold FelPro has a set for them. They have to bought individually(one gasket kit contains a valve cover gasket and a o-ring) and the FelPro number is VS50396R(right off the boxes I still have). I spent less than $45 with tax for the 6 of them. Just a thought for you. ,..... Andy

 

[LAnthony]

those gaskets are just $4 each at cummins.

 

[shendren]

bought my gray gaskets from napa with the o-rings. they don't leak any.

 

[redram]

Been running grey gaskets since I powder coated a set of industrial valve covers to match my truck. Now over two years without any problems. (Okay, one did leak but it was not the gasket's fault but mine for getting it on crooked).



Yes, I've heard all the bad things about the gaskets but mine are working. And I use synthetic oil... . I thought synthetics were supposed to leak!Oo. Oo. Just kidding.

 

[illflem]

red, if you're using that non-API certified oil brand it probably doesn't leak because it's really relabeled dino oil

 

[redram]

You've got me confused with one of those multi-level guys... the stuff I believe in and use is fully API Licensed and the Cummins recommended viscosity grade of a 15W40, oh yeah and it's a designer color, purple. :--)



Hee Hee