Possible oil seepage from right side valve cover....

[Deke]

Since I bought Mo in August, I've noticed from time to time a "hot" smell fron under the hood when I shut the enrine off. Lately, I've been seeing a little wisp of smoke. Since she's got 125k+ on her, I'm assuming I would be smart to snug the valve cover bolts. I can't check in the morning because I leave when it's dark, park in a garage at work, and by the time the engine's cool enough to get under the hood at night, it's dark again. I'll wait until the weekend to take a look.

I know it's a bit dirty under the hood, and I probably won't be able to see for sure, but I guess it can't hurt? What size socket do I need and how long an extension? I don't want to start losing sockets in the abyss! I have no torque wrench, so do I go maybe a half turn past tight?

Checking the oil shows maybe 1/3 quart low, and she's due for a change soon, anyway. I don't need the tech to come into the waiting room with all sorts of bad news for me as I don't have the $$ for anything major. She burns no oil out the tailpipe.

Some ideas and suggestions would be great.

Deke

[86VickyLX]

When you say right side, do you mean driver's side or passenger's side? What do you have? Fuel injection, Carb? If it's the passenger side with EFI, you're gonna have some fun trying to tighten them up.

[Lincolnmania]

replace the valve cover gaskets with felpro permadry valve cover gaskets

[86VickyLX]

replace the valve cover gaskets with felpro permadry valve cover gaskets

You might as well do that. While they're off, you can paint them

[GilroyRacing]

I agree. Just tightening the old gasket is just smashing it down and making it worse. I would suggest putting new fel pros on.

[Deke]

When you say right side, do you mean driver's side or passenger's side? What do you have? Fuel injection, Carb? If it's the passenger side with EFI, you're gonna have some fun trying to tighten them up.

The pasenger side. This is on a 90 GM - FI motor.

[Deke]

replace the valve cover gaskets with felpro permadry valve cover gaskets

Since I'm practically all thumbs, how hard would that be to do? Back in the old days when you could actually get under the hood, no problem.... nowadays?

It takes me a half hour to change laces on my New Balances! :-P

I'd hate to pay someone to do the job, plus I don't know what else I'd find wrong under there....

Deke

[86VickyLX]

To change the valve cover gaskets, You'll need to take the upper intake off (plenum, airbox etc.), once that's all out of the way you can access the valve cover bolts. They shouldn't be that tight, because over-tightening will cause gasket failure. So you should be able to remove them easily. 9mm or 10mm socket iirc. Once you got it off, be sure to clean the gasket surfaces, and try not to get any crud in the valves, you can throw something on top of the exposed valves to protect them while you clean the valve covers. Also, you should inspect them for warpage while you have them off, if they are warped, no matter what gasket you put on you will have leaks. This would be the time to paint the valve covers if you felt like it.

[DuceAnAHalf]

Deke, if you dont feel up to it i can do it. im in Pinellas Park

[P72Ford]

I like the Ford VC's; the steel ones with the rubber ring around the inside. They don't crush, and they don't leak. I have never seen or used the Felpro ones, but I'm sure they are good if folks are recommending them. The Ford ones can be spendy, so the Felpro's may be a good alternative.

[DuceAnAHalf]

what really helps is different valve covers. the stamped ones warp and leak. the cast aluminum ones have a thick, wide flat rail which really helps seal. im using cheap cork ones and they dont leak with my cast covers

[mrltd]

the stock stamped ones are pretty damn toug hthoug- at least on the EFI cars.

[Deke]

PM sent..... Thanks for the offer.

[86GmLsCoupe]

My right/passenger side has loosened up a little on me twice and it started leaking, getting onto the exhaust manifold and smoking. My Dad's snugged up a few of the bolts on just that side maybe 2 times in 5 years, and by snug I mean just a tiny turn, not much at all. I have the Perma-Dry gaskets and am waiting for the time but until then, at least my car's not smoking up a storm.

[Deke]

Talked with a guy at work today - he's a former IMSA racer and keeps his cars immaculate (has a first gen Saturn SC1 with over 138K on it). He says it could be a clogged PCV valve abd there's blowby through the breather. Does the 5.0 have a breather? To be hinest, I never paid attention. I know the PCV is in the back and hard to get to, but that could be the problem.

It has been mentioned that ther eis a mesh "basket" in there, too? Does that come with a new valve, or do I discard it?

He says I'd be best to clean everything first to see if I can tell where the leak is coming from. Simple Green and the hose. What do I need to keep from getting real wet under the hood?

Mo doesn't smoke while moving, but once shut off, you can see it. Basically white, and I only just noticed it the other day when the car was in the sun. It doesn't smell like oil, but I have very little sense of smell....