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Topic: Replacing valve cover gaskets? (Read 642 times) previous topic - next topic

Replacing valve cover gaskets?

I seem to have a pretty severe oil leak and the valve cover gaskets are the current prime suspects. Is this something I can do myself or should I leave it to the experts? I've done the job on cars, but I was a LOT younger then. On the other hand, it looks like there is more room to work on the coach.

Would this be a good excuse to buy a torque wrench? <grin>

Re: Replacing valve cover gaskets?

Reply #1 –
Remind us what your engine is,if you have the silicone rubber seal type gasket the trick is to not let the valve cover touch the
engine head suface,use a 1/4 inch rachet unless you just want to buy a torque wrench.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Replacing valve cover gaskets?

Reply #2 –
Quote from: kb0zke –

Would this be a good excuse to buy a torque wrench? <grin>

It *might* be a good excuse to adjust the valves and injectors at the same time  ;)  Doing that costs you a valve cover gasket anyway....
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Replacing valve cover gaskets?

Reply #3 –
John, the engine is a Detroit 6V92TA.

Michelle, that's a good point.

Re: Replacing valve cover gaskets?

Reply #4 –
If.. you a don't mind being sore for a few days, give it a go.
With labor costs what they are, a couple of days spent in your engine bay would be time well spent.
Take a few pictures before, durning and so on and try not to get in a rush (have a helper too.)
At this point it would be good check valve clearances and DO NOT make any adjustment(s) unless they are needed..  pc



S/W Houston 95" U320C SE/40' 
Build #4778  Cummins M11
Repairs & Covered RV Parking (BAO)
PPL is close..

Re: Replacing valve cover gaskets?

Reply #5 –
There are not injector adjustments on most of the engines that are in FT's.
1998 U270 34'

Re: Replacing valve cover gaskets?

Reply #6 –
I don't have one but I think the "adjustment" on the M11 engine is more of a installation procedure.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Replacing valve cover gaskets?

Reply #7 –
David I just looked.at mine and it does not look like a tuff job from the  top, if you have the wrap on the exhaust u might have to take it loose to lift off th r cover. The two bolts on the valve cover  should make it loose. Do u have a Detroit manual.
Andy & Eileen
MONTROSE COLORADO
1992 U300  40' 6V92 TA
2016 4 Runner
1998 Jeep Grand cherokee

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee) Build # 4135 Skp# 122921

Re: Replacing valve cover gaskets?

Reply #8 –
Buy fresh EXHAUST HEAT WRAP
TCMF (you guessed it... CHINA) -- Not the only source but this is a good quality product.
The wrap is more reasonable than ceramic coating the header pipe and much less labor intensive.

Ebay should have it..

Suggestion: Use Stainless safety wire with the heat wrap & use safety wire pliers.
Makes a nice install (time well spent) ... pc
S/W Houston 95" U320C SE/40' 
Build #4778  Cummins M11
Repairs & Covered RV Parking (BAO)
PPL is close..

Re: Replacing valve cover gaskets?

Reply #9 –
Hmmm, I've never adjusted valves before and I don't have a Detroit manual, so maybe that is best left to those who know what they are doing. I don't have any wraps to deal with. Maybe I'll hold off on buying a torque wrench for a bit, at least until we're landed somewhere for a few days and I can take a look at what's actually happening.

The guys at FOT who serviced the engine and generator are just guessing that the valve cover gaskets are leaking, but they haven't had the bed raised up to see. They are guessing based on what they can see from below. The bedroom is covered with all the kitchen stuff that had to move so Larry can build the cabinets around the refrigerator, and the cat is guarding it all (meaning that she's sleeping on or behind our pillows), so checking from above will have to wait a bit.

Re: Replacing valve cover gaskets?

Reply #10 –
David,

I had Bernd do mine a couple of years ago. Can't remember the price but after looking I think I could have done them. Only 2 bolts hold them on. Bernd did say there where 2 types of gaskets. One better than the other and was only a few dollars more. I spent the extra bucks.

see ya
ken

The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X

Re: Replacing valve cover gaskets?

Reply #11 –
If you are going to do your valves, it is straight forward. To adjust the valves you need a special depth tool and with that it is
easy to do. Just the valve covers it should be easy.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Replacing valve cover gaskets?

Reply #12 –
Sorry it is the injectors you need the special tool
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport
 

Re: Replacing valve cover gaskets?

Reply #13 –
Larry finished up about 4:00 this afternoon, so we're trying to uncover the bedroom so we can sleep in our own bed tonight. Tomorrow is a travel day, but when we land it will be for a couple of days, so I'll try to lift up the bed and see what is to be seen. I'm interested in seeing how the engine and transmission perform tomorrow after $1300 worth of service.