leaking valve cover

[SFlorence]

I was just curious if any body has had a valve cover leaking. I was taking an oil sample today and noticed oil on the intake manifold. I noticed it was wet right at the gasket all the way around.

 

[Alan Reagan]

There was another post about this a couple of weeks back. The solution (that worked) was to torque down the valve cover.

 

[rbattelle]

I agree. First step is to retorque it and see what happens.



-Ryan

 

[Coolslice]

There was another post about this a couple of weeks back. The solution (that worked) was to torque down the valve cover.

Yep, I started that post. I was told by those that also have this problem that it's normal, but not everyone has this problem. I personally think it's crap that a new engine has a leak or "seepage" as some prefer to sugar coat it , but very few others shared that feeling.

 

[SFlorence]

I agree. I know you can't just buy a truck and drive it, but retorque the valve cover. By-the-way, what is the torque specs.

 

[opiefire]

What year is your truck? My upper and lower gaskets were replaced a year ago because of "seepage". They are now leaking again. I would also like to try and re-torque the bolts.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

A better method would be to remove the valve cover and tighten the girdle bolts, then do the valve cover. That will get everything.



Vaughn

 

[sag2]

My 03 leaked a bit when new. The valve cover seal was twisted in the grove. Took about 20 minutes to pull it and straighten out the seal. Never leaked after that. Like Vaughn said, while your there, tighten the rocker box bolts.

In fact, while you have the cover off, fire it up if you want. They do not make a mess at all. If you see how much oil there is up there, you will see why they last so long.

 

[Alan Reagan]

It seems like we shouldn't have to do anything to these engines, BUT as they break in, they need to be gone over with a torque wrench. Several heat cycles tend to make everything seat. On the three that I've owned, the intake system (clamps and intake cover) bolts needed to be torqued after about 10 K. Usually at 10K, I'll just go over the entire truck and torque everything.

 

[fencebuilders]

A better method would be to remove the valve cover and tighten the girdle bolts, then do the valve cover. That will get everything.



Vaughn

Torque specs Vaughn? Thanks. Mark.