Valve cover gaskets

[wrichards]

I remember reading about leaking valve cover gaskets and the replacement ones being gray or made of something special. Mine are leaking and would like to replace them what should I do and where can I get them?

 

[gitchesum]

I got mine from Cummins and they were grey. I'll have to get the reciept to get the part numbers.

BTW, Cummins said they only make the grey ones now. They used to make black ones.

Any Cummins dealer should have the gaskets in stock.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

My truck came with black gaskets - and when the price of a valve adjustment got up over $80, I decided to do my own, and got replacements from NAPA that were grey... Dern things went on OK, and sealed OK, but when I needed to take several valve covers off to retorque the head, I had a HECK of a time getting the gaskets back on - they had swelled quite a bit, and seemed nearly a quarter inch too large in circumference to fit onto the valve cover. I had to fit them on as best as possible, then place then on the head, and take a screwdriver to bunch them up and get them retained properly until I tightened down the valve cover. Wonder if that's why some guys say to stick with black ones?

 

[CumminsPower98]

I replaced my black ones with gray ones from Cummins. I have had no problems with swelling at all. I have had them off also to recheck my valve adjustment after running them some time. I have always heard that the gray ones are the best to use.

 

[Got Smoke?]

Replacing my valve cover gaskets was the first actual mechanic work I did to my CTD. I was expecting it to be harder than it actually was because it was a diesel engine, and I knew squat about Diesel's. Well a short 30 minutes later (motor was warm and I had to fight the last 2 valve covers) it was done, and I was surprised how easy it was. Just like change'n the valve cover gaskets on my old 79 Chevy 350.



I bought mine from the local stealer, since we don't have a Cummins dealer around here. :{



Total was like $36 and change.

 

[MikeR]

Originally posted by Gary - KJ6Q

I decided to do my own, and got replacements from NAPA that were grey... Dern things went on OK, and sealed OK, but when I needed to take several valve covers off to retorque the head, I had a HECK of a time getting the gaskets back on - they had swelled quite a bit, and seemed nearly a quarter inch too large in circumference to fit onto the valve cover. I had to fit them on as best as possible, then place then on the head, and take a screwdriver to bunch them up and get them retained properly until I tightened down the valve cover. Wonder if that's why some guys say to stick with black ones?

Gary,

I had found the same problem with the gray gaskets from Cummins. They're garbage! And they were only 3 months old!

I went back to black gaskets. They're still available from Wentland Diesel and The Powershop.



-Mike

 

[QRTRHRS]

IMHO, the grey ones work well enough but don't stick to the cover very well. I had an oil leak on number six because I did not realize the gasket was out of place. Now when I do something, I check very carefully with a mirror and light aroung those back cylinders.

 

[Cooker]

FWIW - I have had good luck with the grey gaskets.

 

[wrichards]

Thanks for the replies I guess I will go to the Stealer and get the ones they have.

 

[shendren]

ok, i got my barring tool and 6"-# wrench from cummins. i am now ready to adjust my valves. can i get the gaskets from napa since i don't have a cummins dealer close by? are they basically the same gasket? the little o-rings? are they a must? thanks. scott.

 

[BudW]

Valve Cover Gasket Part #'s

I just bougth some gaskets from Cummins.



Grey 3930906 for $4. 00 each and

O-rings 3910824 for $. 18 each

total of $25. 08 before taxes.



(if I paid too much, please no one tell me)



Bud