Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Valve Covers Leaking

[Buck88]

I took a look under the hood this morning to check the oil, and noticed that oil is leaking out of three or four valve covers. Not a lot, just enough to notice. The gaskets are factory, so I know that it's never had a valve adjust.



First question... This just randomly happened. What would cause this?



Second question... How easy are the valves to adjust?

 

[CumminsPower98]

It's common for these valve covers to leak with age so unless your crankcase vent is plugged, you have a bad vacuum leak or your turbo seals are bad there probably isn't anything specific that caused it. Victor and Cummins gray gaskets work pretty well and the black Fel-Pro's might be slightly better.



Valve adjust is easy. Find TDC with either the timing pin or by watching the valves. You don't need a real precise TDC for a valve adjust like you do timing so the easy way would be to watch the valves. Take all the covers off and rotate the engine backwards using 7/8" socket on alternator pulley (assuming you don't have a barring tool) until you see the rear two valves overlapping or rocking between intake and exhaust (#1 valves will be stationary). Once you have TDC on #1 then adjust the valves in following order.



* #1 - I & E

* #2 - I

* #3 - E

* #4 - I

* #5 - E

Rotate engine 360 degrees and go again in the following order



* #2 - E

* #3 - I

* #4 - E

* #5 - I

* #6 - I & E

Specs are . 010 intake and . 020 exhaust.



Here is a more detailed outline: http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/valve_adj/12_valve.html

 

[Bob4x4]

Buck,

come to our gtg in Oceanside,there will be some adjusting goin on



Bob

 

[Buck88]

CumminsPower, thanks a lot. I figure the gaskets are just old and tired. I've been meaning to do a valve adjust concidering it's never had one and I just turned over 71k. Just don't have much time working and going to school full time.



Bob, I'll definitely be there. It would be helpful to actually see it done.



Thanks guys, Buck