Cam cover gaskets ( again )
#1
#4
#5
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I got sick of the issue my dam self.
What you have to do is clean the surfaces till they are bare dry and rough using 3 cans of brake cleaner(CHLORINATED IS FINE).
Let dry a hour and then coat the head surface with a thin layer of black rtv.
The same for the cover itself before installing the rubber gasket.
You need just little, not enough to where the gaskets is squishy, but enough just to prevent leaks in the future.
The issue is as the car ages, the valve covers are not perfect,they cant be milled either.
And no matter how much you tighten em down, a lot of owners still experience failure later.When I did my tensioners, I noticed the timing chains threw oil 9 car lengths! from the car, so imagine what your valve covers are experiencing.
What you have to do is clean the surfaces till they are bare dry and rough using 3 cans of brake cleaner(CHLORINATED IS FINE).
Let dry a hour and then coat the head surface with a thin layer of black rtv.
The same for the cover itself before installing the rubber gasket.
You need just little, not enough to where the gaskets is squishy, but enough just to prevent leaks in the future.
The issue is as the car ages, the valve covers are not perfect,they cant be milled either.
And no matter how much you tighten em down, a lot of owners still experience failure later.When I did my tensioners, I noticed the timing chains threw oil 9 car lengths! from the car, so imagine what your valve covers are experiencing.
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trebor12 (02-24-2014)
#6
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+1 on the rtv it is a must. I have heard that since the covers are plastic they will warp over time due to heat. Seems possible and possibly just enough to where the gaskets won't seal up properly. Thats where the rtv comes in handy. Hope those last you longer. I know they're a pain to change. Also make sure you use the proper tq specs. I think that is Very important.
#7
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Howdy Folks:
If you happen to live near an Advance Auto as many do, you may order it on online using promo code TRT30 (30% off on many purchases) and specify in store pickup within 1 hour or so. For this particular gasket, the price drops to $44.50. Maybe worth considering when you compare to items with a shipping time and cost.
(Also from time to time, I have Googled their promo codes that included fluids, and up to 40% off on purchases over $100 (sometimes over $50)
If you happen to live near an Advance Auto as many do, you may order it on online using promo code TRT30 (30% off on many purchases) and specify in store pickup within 1 hour or so. For this particular gasket, the price drops to $44.50. Maybe worth considering when you compare to items with a shipping time and cost.
(Also from time to time, I have Googled their promo codes that included fluids, and up to 40% off on purchases over $100 (sometimes over $50)
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#9
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The manager got tired of seeing me and just gave me mine.He sent corporate
a note to add a piece of paper inside the boxes that say a small coat of rtv may be necessary for a complete seal.
I hate the job, some of those bolts in the rear valve cover were very time consuming.
And the crankshaft pulley bolt gave me a very nice fight when changing the timing chains, I ended up having to use a torch and penetrating oil to help and every turn you here that dreaded screach, like "im about to snap off " type of noise, very scary.The bolt had so much thread locker, it was shocking, only find out the kit was WAY OVER the $200 bucks I had in my pocket lol
a note to add a piece of paper inside the boxes that say a small coat of rtv may be necessary for a complete seal.
I hate the job, some of those bolts in the rear valve cover were very time consuming.
And the crankshaft pulley bolt gave me a very nice fight when changing the timing chains, I ended up having to use a torch and penetrating oil to help and every turn you here that dreaded screach, like "im about to snap off " type of noise, very scary.The bolt had so much thread locker, it was shocking, only find out the kit was WAY OVER the $200 bucks I had in my pocket lol
Last edited by aode06; 02-13-2014 at 09:14 AM.
#10
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By the way, I forget to mention, I think there is a proper torque sequence that may have to be followed to allow a flat stretch.
Again, black rtv gasket maker and a few cans of brake cleaner will do justice.
Some cars i run into unfortunately require just rtv as the valve covers are softened and warped so much that its the only option because new valve covers are not available or cost effective.
The Fords use fiberglass type material in theirs and this is a very common issue with them as well including brand new gaskets not even fitting on the cover anymore lol.
Again, black rtv gasket maker and a few cans of brake cleaner will do justice.
Some cars i run into unfortunately require just rtv as the valve covers are softened and warped so much that its the only option because new valve covers are not available or cost effective.
The Fords use fiberglass type material in theirs and this is a very common issue with them as well including brand new gaskets not even fitting on the cover anymore lol.
The following users liked this post:
trebor12 (02-24-2014)
#11
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