Plate on upper left of engine block

[NOMOFO]

I appear to have a little oil weeping from bottom of this plate right between where the breather nipple is and the fuel filter. Hoping it is from here and not head gasket. It has its own gasket. This plate and components above appear to make it impossible to see the head gasket on aft part of engine.

What is this plate for? The breather nipple is on it on a raised section. It runs the full length of the engine. Could not find anything about it in '93 Dodge service manual.

Thanks, Bob

 

[Evan A. Beck]

The plate you are talking about is the tappet cover. If you remove it, you'll see the tops of the lifters and the pushrods seated in the lifters. They typically leak towards the back, right near the breather tube connection. Spray everything down with some brake cleaner to clean it up, and drive the truck to see where the leak is coming from. Replacing the gasket can be a PITA with the injection pump on the engine. Good luck!

 

[NOMOFO]

Thanks Evan,

this puts my fears to rest about the head gasket. This appears to be exactly the typical case you mention. This is a very small amount of oil, just enough to show.

Would this be a case where I might be able to snug up the fasteners or would I be opening a can of worms? I dread the thought of changing that gasket!

 

[Evan A. Beck]

Well, it doesn't hurt to check the bolts and make sure they ar enot lolose. My advice is to clean it up really good, and see how bad the leak really is. Also, make sure the draft tube is not kinked, which could cause pressure to build up in the crankcase--resulting in leaks.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

If you get it cleanup up well, goop on some silicone RTV sealer (black, preferably so it won't be noticeable). Removing the cover is a hassle, and you would have to do so to replace the rubber gasket.

 

[Evan A. Beck]

Joe, have you ever seen any problems with a plugged crankcase breather? I had a truck in the shop a few months ago with a rear main seal that looked as if it had been blown out... Just curious...