Oil leak near plug
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 155
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From: Minnesota
Oil leak near plug
I have a 1979 Coupe and I noticed a oil smell when I am out on the highway pressing my luck with the State Patrol. I have noticed a couple of drops in the garage but thought it was old from a power steering valve I replaced about 1 month ago. So I went underneath my Vette and noticed there is an oil leak. 
The only spot that I can notice is that one of the plugs is covered in oil, so I have to assume there is some type of gasket issue but not sure since this area is so crammed in.
Any tips to share on how to investigate? I have been doing a lot of cosmetic and interior work but engines and me haven't been very well introduced, so bluntly I am pretty green.
Thx
Paul
The only spot that I can notice is that one of the plugs is covered in oil, so I have to assume there is some type of gasket issue but not sure since this area is so crammed in.
Any tips to share on how to investigate? I have been doing a lot of cosmetic and interior work but engines and me haven't been very well introduced, so bluntly I am pretty green.
Thx
Paul
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,430
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From: Hamilton NJ
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Oil leakage from stamped steel valve covers is very common. The primary cause is that the sealing surface gets deformed by too much bolt torque and/or not using the torque spreaders (the little metal 'thingies' placed between the bolts and the cover)...or losing them. To fix, get a flat metal surface (edge of a piece of steel stock, etc.) and place the cover rail on it wherever it is not flat [usually near the bolt holes]. Use a flat-faced hammer to pound the metal flat, completely around the sealing rail. Purchase Fel-pro or other good quality cork/rubber combination gasket. Do NOT apply sealant to either face. Clean all surfaces before installing, then install torque spreaders/bolts and tighten bolts 'hand tight' with a nut driver. Never exceed specified bolt torque of 50 inch-pounds {equivalent to about 4 foot-pounds}.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The cast aluminum covers shouldn't deform...but they could if overtorqued too much. Or they could even crack/break. The most common leak path with the cast aluminum covers are casting inclusions or cold-shuts which leave a small gap in the material. Look over the sealing surface well. If it is smooth and flat, it should seal with a decent gasket.
