Oil leak

[4pipes]

I have about 800 miles on a new professionally rebuilt aluminum FE. After an hour of spirited driving I have four areas that produce a drop of oil each. Below each valve cover, one below the main oil inlet to the block and one on the bottom of the bell housing. I just raise the car up and wipe them up. Already cranked on the bolts enough! I also always have a drop on the bottom of the rearend. I can deal with a drop or two.

[FUNFER2]

If you have steel valve covers (Even Pentroofs), they will leak, where as the thicker aluminum, will not with a good gasket. If I did not have to lash my valves a couple of times per year, I would just use gaskets AND, silicone.

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by FUNFER2

If you have steel valve covers (Even Pentroofs), they will leak, where as the thicker aluminum, will not with a good gasket. If I did not have to lash my valves a couple of times per year, I would just use gaskets AND, silicone.

Reading this post, I thought Dave got his car back. Realized the post is from 2006. Must be cabin fever in NE.

[patrickt]

... try doing what I do. Get the RUBBER valve cover gaskets. Put a bead of the 3m Weather Sealant you see below on your valve covers and place the rubber gaskets on. Put the valve covers on the car and squash them down with your hands; do not tighten them down. Let them sit for 24 hours. Remove the valve covers (with the rubber gaskets now thoroughly bonded to them) and put a glob of grease on your finger and run it around the rubber gasket. Install your valve covers and torque to 5 ft/lbs. Then put a glob of the black rtv on your finger and swab your finger in the manifold/head spot and along the back of the valve cover where it meets the head. Let it sit for another 24 hours. Remember, three drops or less on an FE is considered "bone dry."

[FUNFER2]

lol,...
I was searching, and looked at this thread but did not, read when it was posted. !

And yes,....I do have cabin fever and,....with drawls !

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by FUNFER2

lol,...
I was searching, and looked at this thread but did not, read when it was posted. !

And yes,....I do have cabin fever and,....with drawls !

Dang, me too.

EDIT -- Well, everybody with an FE leaks to a certain extent. Maybe this thread will help to lessen somebody's leak. Kind of a "let's all go green" type thread...

[FUNFER2]

Hey "Half-Ass member" lol

Pat, don't you lash your valves much having a solid flat tappet ?

I adjust mine twice per year. Sometimes, they have not loosened up at all but, I check anyway. Then I release the pressure on the valve train for winter storage. That's why I don't get too carried away with sealing the covers with sealant.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by FUNFER2

Pat, don't you lash your valves much having a solid flat tappet ?

I adjust mine twice per year. Sometimes, they have not loosened up at all but, I check anyway. Then I release the pressure on the valve train for winter storage. That's why I don't get too carried away with sealing the covers with sealant.

Once a year. The Ersons hold a lash very well and then when I put the valve covers back on I just run a fresh glob of black RTV along the back and let them sit for 24 hours. I really believe those black rubber valve cover gaskets that are now 3m sealed to the covers will last forever. But a good 50%, maybe a bit more, of the pundits on the FE forum prefer cork.

[D+10]

Its an FE and yes it still leaks.....but I have learned to love those drips on the garage floor where it's marking its territory. Thanks for the new hints....I will try some of those this year.

[undy]

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Reading this post, I thought Dave got his car back. Realized the post is from 2006. Must be cabin fever in NE.

Not much "huskin" goin' on this time o' year..

Right Kev, a lill' big block fever??