newly rebuilt motor problem

[damooch]

Ok.My newly rebuilt motor has been running perfect.It has not leaked or lost a drop of fluid whatsoever.I finally hit 500 miles so I did my oil change Monday.Oil was clean,Everything looked great.I went with 10w30.All the sudden my valve cover gasket is leaking along the back side .I havent been beating it up or anything.I just thought it was strange to start leaking as soon as I changed the oil.I made sure it wasnt over filled too(about 20 times).Tommorow,I will take it back to the shop.Im sure they will take care of it for me,I just never heard of this before...Anyone have any insight????Could switching from straight 30 weight to 10w30 do this????



http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/835000-835999/835518_131_full.jpg

 

[almostock]

Did you try to tighten the bolts a little bit ?

 

[brute]

These are normal things. Just try putting some RTV on the seam for a temporary solution. Before you do this, you need to wipe all the oil off or else the RTV won't stick, much less dry. For a harder but more permenant solution, you can buy a new valve cover gasket, take the valve cover off, clean the bottom of the valve cover and the top of the head, RTV both sides of the gasket, put it on the valve cover, and then put it on the head.

Remember to not tighten the bolts too much or you'll crack the valve cover. I just put the socket on a 6" extension (without the ratchet) and tighten the bolts by hand. After you do them all, start back at the beginning, and make sure they're all tight.

 

[Auto RS T]

Yes, tighten the bolts first, it is best to use a nut driver so you dont strip out the threads. I start in the valley and work my way out to the perimeter bolts, to ensure that there is no oil in the valleys going to the spark plugs

FYI The torque specs on these bolts are 3 ftlbs or 36 inch pounds.

Just go around like I said and repeat the tightening sequence. Wipe off the oil and go for a drive.

EDIT: AHH Brute! Everytime

 

[blackbyrd]

I'd hope you replaced the valve cover gasket when rebuilding your engine, if so did you use a little line of rtv on the top and bottom of it when you put it on? It really shouldn't be leaking unless you overtighten it, undertightened it, or didnt have a clean/smooth mating surface, ie somejunk in the way.. And i would recommend hand tightening them also, I've cracked two valve covers tighten them to the specs in my haynes manual. Thanks haynes! But i doubt a 30 change to 10w30 would make that gasket shrink or anything. Did you check to make sure the bolts are tight?\

Edit: Ah both of you! haha

 

[VelocitàPaola]

You don't (and shouldn't) use RTV everywhere along the gasket. Refer to this article for more information...
http://www.2gnt.com/www/corbin/vc.html

Did you rebuild the head as well as the block, or no? If you didn't build the head, did you at least put it back together with new gaskets?

I suspect your leak occured because 10W-30 becomes less viscous when heated than regular 30W. The lower viscosity, thus, aided the oil in finding a way out through the VC gasket.

 

[damooch]

Ya.I checked bolts.They are good.Well the shop Where I had the work done gave me a 12,000 mile warrantee.Ya!!Killer huh..If the valve cover gasket needs to be replaced,They will do it.Hell Ive only got about 600 miles on it.I just thought it strange that it started the day I did my oil change......

 

[damooch]

Just so you know the history.A top notch local speed shop totaly rebuilt my motor.Ill try to make this breif.My head gasket was bad,had 148,00 miles,broke my timing belt,...I went for broke and did the whole motor and drive train.Bored .20 over,Shaved head,Honed intake manifold,bored throttle body,new valves,cams,pistons,water pump,oil pump.....etc,etc,..even wheel bearings,cv axles,clutch,clutch master and slave.Everything.These guys are the best around.Ive heard it 100 times over.But let me tell ya.It runs,looks,and feels like new.I could not find a fault.Hell they even washed my car,fabricated a new intake bracket,and pressure washed my undercarrige...These guys are truly ACES!!!I know they will take care of me..I'll have it in there tomorrow..Check out the pic above...

 

[VelocitàPaola]

Which shop is this?

 

[damooch]

I live in Winter Haven Fl.My mechanic shop is Mikes Affordable Automotive..And the shop that did the machine work is Stameys High Performance Speed Shop...Both are awesome and I wouldnt let anyone else touch my car..Mikes been doing work for me, for a while now..I cant say enough about them both..I stopped in today to see Mike and he said "No Problem,If it needs a new valve cover gasket I'll replace it free".He made me an appointment for Friday...Thanks to all for your input..

 

[damooch]

Well I just got a call from my shop.The valve cover was leaking slightly but the oil I saw under my car was from the galley plug on the back side above tranny.They already have my motor torn apart,but He cant get the new plug until Tuesday..Monday being a holiday..Just my luck.Damn it,I just got my car back .Oh well.At least I know its in good hands..

 

[dr1665]

Ah, snap. Didn't even hit me this was you until just a minute ago. You'll be tearin' it up again before you know it. Galley plug above the tranny beats hole in the tranny any day of the week, sir.

 

[damooch]

Ah, snap. Didn't even hit me this was you until just a minute ago. You'll be tearin' it up again before you know it. Galley plug above the tranny beats hole in the tranny any day of the week, sir.

You got that right Doc..Hows it goin? Funny meeting u here..well,not really..I usually post on both sites..The more info the better I always say...see ya on the other side.