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leaking valve covers

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Old 05-26-2011, 12:08 AM
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Default leaking valve covers

well i just changed the valve gaskets on my 88 bonne and now when it gets warm both of then start to leak/burn oil. i double checked and the gaskets aren't pinched and to the best of my ability my bolts are all to 88 inch pounds like my book says so i cant think of anything else to try. any help would be greatly appreciated.
Old 05-26-2011, 12:50 AM
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Where is it leaking from? Any pictures?
Old 05-26-2011, 01:17 AM
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It is only leaking from the bottom side. And no sorry i dont have pics but the only thing to see would be the smoke from burning oil cause its not visible for some reason
Old 05-26-2011, 08:14 AM
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Take the valve cover off again and remove the gasket. Then make sure the inside gasket surface is clean. Then wipe do the gasket surface on the head to make sure nothing is stuck on there.
Old 05-26-2011, 08:18 AM
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Also inspect the channel that the gasket rests in to make sure there are no cracks.
Old 05-26-2011, 08:23 AM
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Take the valve cover off and set it on a flat surface. Look for any warping on the sealing surfaces.
Old 05-26-2011, 08:56 AM
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IIRC those VC'* were very similar to the VC'* I'm used to on the S2'*. Do they have a rubber grommet under the bolt that helps to hold the cover down?

If yes..then you may not have changed the grommets and need to. The bolts bottom out on the S2'* and the grommet is what provides the holding power to press the gasket to the head surface. If the grommets are old or weak...you will leak with a new gasket.
Old 05-26-2011, 11:11 AM
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Where should i get new grommets, auto parts store or will i need to go to a dealership? And also what should i use to clean surfaces and inside of covers?
Old 05-26-2011, 11:32 AM
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Parts stores likely have them.

Cleaning. I soak covers in degreaser. Then rinse good and make sure they are dry before putting them back on. for the head surface..I spray brake clean on a rag and wipe with a finger.
Old 05-26-2011, 12:26 PM
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Just don't spray degreaser on the heads. Like Bill said, on a rag and then wipe. Degreaser in a engine is not a good thing.


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