Author Topic: leaking valve cover (Read 3129 times)

bigJ · « **on:** April 13, 2008, 01:35:13 pm »

I purchased an aftermarket head two years ago from a vendor who had found a batch in a wharehouse in Germany. I finally got around to installing it after doing some port and polishing. Once installed I could not get the valve cover to stop leaking. It turns out that the valve cover gasket sealing surface is too wide allowing the cover to sit on top.
http://www2.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=45461199/PictureID=4783954770/a=55513749_55513749/t_=555137499675/a=55513749_55513749/t_=55513749[/url]

burn_your_money · « **Reply #1 on:** April 13, 2008, 06:23:13 pm »

try switching to a cork gasket

subsonic · « **Reply #2 on:** April 13, 2008, 09:55:31 pm »

Was this from a vendor in CA, who also sells on ebay? Who is the maker of the head?

bigJ · « **Reply #3 on:** April 14, 2008, 01:11:29 am »

Yes this was from california and also sells on e-bay. I could not find a single stamping or casting on who made this head. I do not blame the vendor as the fault was at the manufacturing level.

mufflerbearing · « **Reply #4 on:** April 14, 2008, 04:03:44 am »

i dont see how a cork gasket will help as it sounds like the edge of the valve cover is hitting the head.

i would try machining down the edge of the head or switching out to a valve cover that does not have a lip coming down over the edge of the head. g60 valve cover for example.

-j

myke_w · « **Reply #5 on:** April 14, 2008, 05:32:39 am »

could you snap a pic of the head and post it?

subsonic · « **Reply #6 on:** April 14, 2008, 08:49:19 am »

Quote from: "bigJ"

Yes this was from california and also sells on e-bay. I could not find a single stamping or casting on who made this head. I do not blame the vendor as the fault was at the manufacturing level.

Was it ecstyln or something close to that?

bigJ · « **Reply #7 on:** April 15, 2008, 12:14:35 am »

I was able to use a Dermel and a hacksaw blade to remove the excess material while still on the vehicle and presto no more leaks. Before discovering the problem I was ready to retrofit a 1.6 valve cover which would require drilling and tapping for studs. Thank God it didn't come down to that!