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I took off the valve cover (drivers side). Gasket did not appear to be torn or misaligned...however, there was RTV remnants on the gasket and the valve cover from the install that
was done in Ottawa. I had not cleaned it off sufficiently...and since the gasket didn't get put back in exactly the same position, it leaked. There were 3-4 spots of RTV that remained
on the head around the center lower bolt. This was the area it was leaking from. I cleaned this off thoroughly using a nylon scuff pad. See pic below.
There were no cracks around the bolt holes in the cover. I just checked for levelness and that middle lower bolt hole definitely is out of level. Putting a straight edge
down that channel splitting that bolt hole is showing light on both sides. There is a lip/flange where the metal curls up around the permieter of the cover. How does
one go about bring it back to a flat surface?
bought a 1 ft length of 1/4" flat bar stock. put the cover over it in a vise upside down and brought it back to level. putting it down onto a flat surface
it was evident how out of flatness it was. Does not rock anymore and light is pretty much gone now when a straight edge is placed down each length
way. Hopefully, this does the trick.
Also, there's no pressure inside that cover. You're really just holding it in place with sufficient pressure to engage the gasket. No need to go Incredible Hulk on those bolts/nuts/studs.
apparently, these are advised for covers that experienced this deformation in the bolt holes.
I'll make one using the grinder to keep this from occuring on this bottom center hole.
reasonable facsimile part fashioned. now to create a longer threaded stud...
Over kill, just my opinion.
Valve cover hold down tabs are not necessary as the stock engines never had them.
If you do need them, then you have warped valve covers or something else going on that is not correct.
If you have after market covers, then they are cheap.
Over kill, just my opinion.
Valve cover hold down tabs are not necessary as the stock engines never had them.
If you do need them, then you have warped valve covers or something else going on that is not correct.
If you have after market covers, then they are cheap.
I agree..NEW they did not have them. But these covers are pushing 40 years old and the metal is not as sturdy as it was when new.
When starting out as a mechanic
Long before you become a technician
One of the first things you learn, is to flatten out the bolt holes on a valve cover with a ball peen hammer, on something flat like the flat corner of a big vise
Only old Chevys need those spreaders, some old V/6 2.8, 2.9 and 4.0 Fords used them, but your Windsor has no need
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