Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Tappet cover gasket ?'s

[TravisG]

I think I have a leak coming from the tappet cover. My question is can you change this without removing the vp and just removing the starter? Next ? what are those bolts on the starter? They look like a reverse torx bit or whatever you call them.



Also, I read somewhere about putting a cover from a 12 valve on it that has a breather built into it to help keep it from blowing out. Does anyone know anything about this and does anyone know the part #? Thanks y'all.

 

[pgleavitt]

The starter bolts are 10mm 12 point. I had my cover replaced with one from a 12 valve and it relocates the crank case breather away from the front of the engine. I had the work done by a dealer after telling them I had oil leaking out of the stock breather on steep hills. This was the fix they came up with.

 

[ctd8999]

You don't have to remove the starter,only the VP-44 needs removed. However I've seen where some say it can be done with VP inplace. The last one I replaced I removed the VP to do the job. Just my . 02 cents. Thanks Steve B.

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

Anybody have a pic of the side of their engine and where the different side cover bolts fit in place? I got mine to rebuild and thought nothing of noting the differences! Torque specs would be awesome too..... alldata says nothing about this. All they have are flat rate times.

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

I just found some good pics on the search feature..... should I use anything for the gasket like a sealer or something? Or just slip the new gasket on and bolt 'er down?

 

[TravisG]

I don't think you need any sealer with the gasket.

 

[monkeyman]

The gasket only goes on one way on the cover. I used weatherstrip adhesive on the gasket to cover as it tends to slip off.
Rick

 

[BrettDuke]

It may be possible with VP in place, but I would just remove it. The whole job can be done in 3-4 hours easy.

 

[monkeyman]

It is much easier with VP removed, to tight of a fit. I also like gluing gasket on cover with super weather strip adhesive so it does not slip off cover. Torque or being to tight will make it leak again

Rick