7.3 idi valve cover gasket replacement
 

two questions, i've got oil dripping off my oil filter. no, it's not the filter, i just replaced it with no change. it looks like its comming from above the filter. possibly valve cover gasket? it only leaks when the engine is hot. it seems to stop after the engine cools. is there any other place it could come from in that area?
second,
autozone's "do it yourself" section says to replace the valve cover gaskets to free the motor from the motor mount on the right side and rest it on wood blocks between the engine and the frame?? huh?? it doesn't say why. it seems redundant. if i put a block of wood between the engine and frame the engine will be sitting in the same place as if the motor mount was still attached??
does anyone have a better step by step procedure for replacing the valve cover gaskets? is it something a novice could do in the appartment parking lot on a saturday afternoon?

I would check the oil cooler for leaks. It is the long tube that runs from the oil filter base and goes to the front of the motor. The orings get hard and allows oil to leak when the oil gets hot. You can get new orings to replace them from Ford.

It could be the valve cover or the head gasket. First, clean everything as good as possible and then drive it for a bit. Then check to see where it looks like it's coming from. Better to fix the right problem then to do one thing and think you messed it up and then redo it with no change.

Did you install the filter as per Navistar/Ford instructions........

VOM FSeries/Econoline Owners guide 7.3 Liter Diesel

Clean the filter mounting area of the oil cooler, lightly coat the gasket surface with clean engine oil and hand tighten until gasket contacts the base. THEN TIGHTEN ANOTHER....... 1 1/4 to 2 TURNS. Fill the crankcase and check for leaks.
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To do the valve covers drivers side is just removal and replacement....... Pax side is a bit trickier. filter has to be removed to get all the bolts and clear the rockers, remove air cleaner to allow the cover to be moved rearward, up and in toward the middle of the engine. Oil dipstick should just be there, but no problem.

Please put up a signature with truck info.......

tpolley I think you were looking at the directions for removing the oil cooler.
That is the method you use to remove and replace it, not the rocker covers.

the left valve cover gasket will drip on the oil filter
yes you can replace it
it isnt difficult but you will need to clean the mating surfaces
the head gaskets on an IDI cannot leak oil

These filters need to be TTIIGGHHTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

...OK...
Can the head gasket leak oil, or can't it .
Second.. how about the drivers side valve cover gasket???
Last.. what about aftermarket / or new valve covers

Yes.

I thought that's what everyone has been talking about?

No aftermarket covers and I don't know if you can still get new ones from IH.

I was under the impression that various things, too numerous to mention, could lift your head and cause you head gasket to leak oil.
I'M NOT SURE!

there is no pressurized oil in the cylinder heads of an IDI
only coolant and compression
oil can only come from the vally pan or the valve cover gaskets

That's GOOD to know!!!!!!!

There are oil drains in the head that go through the head gasket.

But if you have oil leaking out from the drains, you have bigger problems than oil leaks.

Im just curious. Why cant the head gasket leak oil? It sounds like I am having a similar leak as tpolley. I took it to a mechanic and he said the leak was a head gasket but i dont believe em.