Oil leak: valve cover gasget, questions *DUW*

[BlackVert]

i have questions:

1. here's the leak
2. this looks normal, right?
3. does this oil look like it would if i had blown a head gasget?
4. another pic of the oil:

here's the leak:

does this valve train look ok?

does this oil look like it would if i had blown a head gasget?

another pic of the oil:

 

[bimmertech]

none of those pictures indicate any problem of the valvetrain or a headgasket that is blown on a coolant jacket.

fwiw--a headgasket can blow and not leak coolant into the oil.

 

[BlackVert]

great thanks. what do i torque the bolts down to when i put the new gasget on?

 

[bimmertech]

great thanks. what do i torque the bolts down to when i put the new gasget on?

for the valve cover? if so just ratchet tight---loose the cork too, invest in some rubber/steel gaskets as they are reusable and actually seal

if head bolts? then follow the recommendations of the bolt maker.

 

[urban96]

yep and a trick my uncle taught me about VC gaskets to help prevent leaks is to put all the bolts in finger tight and tighten the lower ones first to help make a better seal in the lower area, just try not to over TQ them

 

[urban96]

also if u had coolant in your oil you would know it, it turns into a nice milky light brown color

 

[BlackVert]

yep and a trick my uncle taught me about VC gaskets to help prevent leaks is to put all the bolts in finger tight and tighten the lower ones first to help make a better seal in the lower area, just try not to over TQ them

these are cork, but they are from felpro and they have little metal rings where the bolt holes are, presumably to help protect the hapless user from overtightening them and splitting the cork.

i'm just the type to overtighten them too.

they seem to be holding fine, at least for the moment ...

 

[blksn955.o]

I had a HG that did not seal properly and was leaking exh. gasses into the coolant (super-duper heating the coolant up) but there was no crossing of fluids.

Go to the ford dealer and get some stock mustang valve cover gaskets they are steel with a rubber coating and id-10-t proof, re-usable, and worth the price. I have reused mine at least 4-5 times with no issues at all.

cork sucks for valve cover gaskets always has always will.

 

[urban96]

wouldnt compression test show a bummed HG?

 

[final5-0]

these are cork, but they are from felpro and they have little metal rings where the bolt holes are,

I can NOT stress enough ... this red flag of CAUTION

Those little spacer/over tightner thingys might be able to fall down the holes in the head and then on down to the business workings of your motor

IF

You don't pay close attention

N O T____A____G O O D____T H I N G

Grady