Oil leaks, oil leaks, oil leaks

[rmmarauder]

Approximately 147,000 miles on my 1989. It was rebuilt about 40,000 ago, but I'm not sure what was done. All I know is that it leaks a noticeable amount of oil. The one leak is obvious - valve covers. I bought a new set and they're gonna go in the first chance I get. There's another one, I believe, somewhere by the oil filter. The pan gasket is fine. I de gunked it and there's nothing forming around it, but there is something that appears to be coming out from just above the filter. I don't think it's the fliter. The new one threaded and sucked up just fine. I know jack about this engine, is there a gasket above the fliter that might have bit the farm? If so, how do I get to it?

 

[WildSide]

The filter mount is bolted to the block but make sure that the valve cover leak is not the reason first.

 

[rickcdewitt]

why pay for gaskets?don't use valve cover gaskets just some high temp silicon.the cork will burn out by the exhaust ports and leak all over again

 

[88mudder]

use rubber valve cover gaskets

 

[92MiniMonster]

ive never tried rubber gaskets. I actually use cork. Never had a problem, although i am very anal about leaks, i just put a set on about 2 months ago, but i had to replace them sunday because the lower intake manifold was spitting oil from the back. Has anyone had problems with rubber? Ive got 2 sets in the box, but have always been weary of them.

 

[Psychopete]

ive never tried rubber gaskets. I actually use cork. Never had a problem, although i am very anal about leaks, i just put a set on about 2 months ago, but i had to replace them sunday because the lower intake manifold was spitting oil from the back. Has anyone had problems with rubber? Ive got 2 sets in the box, but have always been weary of them.

I've used rubber Felpro, worked good once, leaked when I tried to reuse it (but not too bad).

I'm using cork now, have been working fine for at least 2 years. I would never consider reusing..

I only RTV where the gasket meets the split between the lower intake and the head. I believe I read somewhere to use it sparingly (just enough to seal), so none can later wonder off and get into the engine. I also use a torque wrench and follow procedure (bolts are torque lightly cold, then finally torqued after the engine is warmed up - can't remember #s).

Make sure that the sealing surfaces on the bottom of the valve covers are strait. The motor sport valve covers I have were brand new, the 327 I had never leaked either with cork - 4 bolts, brand new valve covers. Once they get bent, it's hard to get them to seal completely.

Also, I try not to pry on them either. I just give them a good rap on the side with the palm of the hand and it usually breaks the seal in 2 or 3 times (if just the gasket was installed).

Pete

 

[mkpecor]

i hate cork , i always use the rubery stuff never leaks, your rear main seal might be leaking. once you change the valve cover gaskets go back and tighten all the bolts after a couple of weeks, then you should be good. use black RVT too.

 

[MAKG]

Have you guys seen the Ford gaskets?

Niiicce. Impregnated cork with steel inserts to prevent overcompression. Worth it.

 

[cocoasranger]

MAKG, I used those Ford impregnated cork gaskets. They were pricey, but worked great, especially when it came to torquing them. I used Permatex black high temp rtv; bonded the gaskets to the covers(with bolts through the holes for alignment while drying) then was able to install them without worrying about them slipping out of alignment. Not a drop of oil since then.

 

[holyford86]

I had a few problems with my oil filter adapter leaking, I couldnt get the copper gaskets to seal right, swapped to a later model (98) 4.0 oil filter adapter which uses O rings instead of copper gaskets and it hasn't leaked since.

 

[rmmarauder]

So far, so good

Replaced valve cover gaskets with new Fel-Pro rubber. I was told by a Fel-Pro rep. to absolutely, positively NOT put any RTV on these gaskets! Some RTV compounds can be corrosive to the rubber and will actually eat into it. Failure will not occur immediately, but will significantly deteriorate the gasket's useful lifetime.

OK, I thought. I usually ignore this type of advice and go with what I've done or feel comfortable doing. But for some reason, I decided to take this guy's advice. He made a ton of sense, and seemed very familiar with the compounds his company uses for their gaskets. So far, so good. Yes, it's only been a day, but after a thorough degreasing, my driveway's clean again.

Thankfully nothing is spitting from the manifold, mains, or heads, so far. I took the truck for a 100 mile trip up in the mountains to see if something would show. Nothing. Thanks for the helpful hints.

 

[ranger_man]

I use rubber valve cover gaskets