Anyone done Valve cover gasket on 4.6
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2005
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Anyone done Valve cover gasket on 4.6
I have a 2000 4.6L My passenger side valve cover is leaking oil on the exhaust manifold.
Has replaced the gaskets before, what should I be watching out for, and how many hours of labour you think the dealer would need if I have them do it.
Also, should I be ok driving it for a few months leaks with the oil dripping on the manifold.
Has replaced the gaskets before, what should I be watching out for, and how many hours of labour you think the dealer would need if I have them do it.
Also, should I be ok driving it for a few months leaks with the oil dripping on the manifold.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: >wwOwww<
Have you checked to see if the bolts are tight, and if the pcv system is in good shape?
Oil leaking on the exhaust manifold doesn't really hurt the engine itself, but is an inconveiance. But if I had changed the gasket before, I would be looking for the reason it is leaking.
Oil leaking on the exhaust manifold doesn't really hurt the engine itself, but is an inconveiance. But if I had changed the gasket before, I would be looking for the reason it is leaking.
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,770
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From: Michigan
Sometimes when a person replaces these cam cover gaskets they forget to apply a dab of black automotive RTV at the two "T" joints on each bank where the front cover, block and cam cover intersect. With no RTV applied there oil will weep, run back along the cyl head and cam cover seam then drip on the manifold. These covers are not hard to remove and replace the gasket yourself. Just remember to apply the RTV. In fact if the RTV was ommited then all you have to do is lift the cam cover at the front after loosening all the bolts clean the oil off the surface and apply the peanut size dab of RTV at the two joints per cover. The gasket will more than likely be fine. Take care.
Last edited by DYNOTECH; Feb 23, 2010 at 06:01 PM.
Concur with Dynotech:
I would really not encourage any one to drive around with motor oil leaking onto their hot manifolds. When removing the valve covers many tech's often bend or score the covers. This often encourages leakage when reassembling the units.
Seriously consider having your covers straightened before installing a cover gasket.
When I do my valve covers I usually add a cut washer under each the cover bolt seat.
Most of the problems involving leaking gaskets usually are caused by inconsistent or excessive torque on the bolts. Most gaskets cannot compensate for this and therefor leak. By adding 1/4" cut washers under the bolt seats I can supply sufficient torque to hold the cover. The cut washer also provides enough space for a sufficient amount of RTV Sealant in addition to the gasket surface to provide a continuous seal.
It would also help if you would allow the RTV sealant at least 8 hours to completely set.
Take it Easy
I would really not encourage any one to drive around with motor oil leaking onto their hot manifolds. When removing the valve covers many tech's often bend or score the covers. This often encourages leakage when reassembling the units.
Seriously consider having your covers straightened before installing a cover gasket.
When I do my valve covers I usually add a cut washer under each the cover bolt seat.
Most of the problems involving leaking gaskets usually are caused by inconsistent or excessive torque on the bolts. Most gaskets cannot compensate for this and therefor leak. By adding 1/4" cut washers under the bolt seats I can supply sufficient torque to hold the cover. The cut washer also provides enough space for a sufficient amount of RTV Sealant in addition to the gasket surface to provide a continuous seal.
It would also help if you would allow the RTV sealant at least 8 hours to completely set.
Take it Easy
