My 01 4.6 Screw is starting to leak a little oil on the drivers side valver cover. I started noticing a faint whiff of it when I would get home and walk around my truck. Now it's a little stronger and I don't like it one bit. I found a slightly wet/damp spot on the drivers side valve cover that I believe to be the culprit. I tightened down the valve cover bolts a little bit, in the even that that wasn't enough how much of a PITA is it to replace the valve cover gaskets and are there any tips on doing so? TIA

 

dont tightenthe bolts to much you will make the surface of the cover uneven . it should be easy to replace the gaskets , before you put the covers back on make sure the bolt patter is even all the way around otherwise you need to straighten it or you may get another leak

 

True. I figured that it was already leaking though....


I'll post a pic later tonight when I get home so you can see the spot I'm talking about. If I replace them it'll be this weekend.

 

go with a good brand name you will be better off

 

How did it go? I have a valve gasket leak and I am wanting to hear about the installation.

 

You smelled it? What, is it making it down to the manifold and burning off??

 

jcc is right use a quality gasket pay the few dollars more.or else you are almost guranteed a leak sooner.

 

I agree. If you tighten one bolt down tighter than another, it can bend the valve cover causing many leaks.

I had an old camaro and it constantly leaked due to a bent valve cover. Previous owner tightened it so many times, the cover actually had waves in it.

I suggest when replacing the gasket, to torque the bolts or nuts, to factory specs. Alternately tighten the bolts and gradually increase the torque until final torque is reached.

 

What I do is very simple. Run down the bolts until they're are in contact with the cover and the gasket is only "kissed" by the valve cover. Now, run the bolts 1.5 turns farther with the ratchet. Do the center bolts first and work to the outermost bolts in a star pattern.

Never had one leak yet and it's super fast and easy.

 

Forgot about this thread.

I bought a new set of gaskets and found that I could not get the drivers side cover off without removing the EGR tube...so I tightened down the bolts semi snugly and returned the gaskets. I know, I know it's a cop out. :o

 

I forgot to add, the oil was seeping onto the head and heating up. That's how I could smell it.

 

Take a look from under the truck, you most likely have a head gasket leaking, and the oil is hitting the catalytic converter on the passenger side. This is a common problem with 01 4.6 Mine has been leaking for the past three years. Never needs oil but is very annoying when the heater or ac picks up the smell.