Valve adjustment and Gasket

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Valve adjustment and Gasket

April 16, 2017, 12:18:05 am

I havnt looked closely yet but I am getting oil at the back of the engine, Thinking its the gasket for the valve cover? It is spraying the back of the motorhome and my toad.. Fine mist.. Anyone know what the repair might cost? Adjust the valves while they are at it and replace the gasket (if that is what the problem is).

2002 ISM 400 almost 200k on it

Re: Valve adjustment and Gasket

Reply #1 – April 16, 2017, 01:12:51 am

Too many possibilities to guess a price. You need to clean the engine off the best you can and see where the oil originates. Are you sure it is engine oil? I am not familiar with a 2002 engine cover, if it like my '99 an you can lift the bed up you should be able to see if it is the valve cover leaking. The mileage you have warrants a valve adjustment if it has only been done at 100,000 Oil pressure senders are more likely than the valve cover gasket to be the problem. Look for 2 oil senders,

Re: Valve adjustment and Gasket

Reply #2 – April 16, 2017, 08:18:43 am

Most likely cause is over filling the crankcase. Have you added oil lately? Many posts on this subject.
Whatever it is I hope it is something simple.
I agree thst you are due to have the valves adjusted if last done at 100K.

Re: Valve adjustment and Gasket

Reply #3 – April 16, 2017, 08:23:54 am

If your model coach has hydraulic cooling fans and pump, that is another possible source of oil. As is the power steering pump and hoses. And, as noted above, if engine oil level is over-filled, excess will blow out the "slobber tube" and oil down the back of the engine and toad.

The oil (regardless of source) will really blow around in the engine compartment (and behind the coach) when going down the road.

Agree - best to clean everything off, then try to pin-point the source, before spending any coach bucks.

Re: Valve adjustment and Gasket

Reply #4 – April 16, 2017, 08:26:43 am

Check each of the three oil uses for leaks. I would bet on the steering box if it has not been rebuilt yet.

Re: Valve adjustment and Gasket

Reply #5 – April 16, 2017, 08:44:28 am

Quote from: DavidS – April 16, 2017, 12:18:05 am

Anyone know what the repair might cost? Adjust the valves while they are at it and replace the gasket (if that is what the problem is).

David,

If you are adjusting the valves yourself the new gasket is ~$50 and a couple of hours of your time. If you hire it done expect double the gasket and 3 hrs. labor at the local rate.

Pamela & Mike

Re: Valve adjustment and Gasket

Reply #6 – April 16, 2017, 09:52:58 am

Don't forget to check the air compressor seals and oil lines

wantabe

Re: Valve adjustment and Gasket

Reply #7 – April 16, 2017, 10:01:33 am

Another thing to check is the hydraulic filter housing - there's a hose that comes off it that can get chafed by the engine door depending on the orientation of the housing (it can be rotated). Actually, the hydraulic hoses in general should be checked for any chafing. I recall a 2002 coach pulling into Xtreme a couple of years ago that had one of the large hoses let go due to chafing right as the folks arrived.

As Craneman says, best if you can clean the engine then start looking for the leak.

Re: Valve adjustment and Gasket

Reply #8 – April 16, 2017, 10:59:29 am

Thank you all for the suggestions .. I will really dig into it when I get it back. I will call cummins on monday and see about a gasket and go from there.. After looking it over I will see if I want to tackle it or just take it down an have them do it.. My back is not getting any younger.

Re: Valve adjustment and Gasket

Reply #9 – April 16, 2017, 11:04:55 am

The valve cover part is a seal and not a gasket and if possible have your engine serial number ready,they will ask for it.

Re: Valve adjustment and Gasket

Reply #10 – April 16, 2017, 02:21:38 pm

Ditto on the Hydraulic lines and fretting then leaking. We had that happen 2 yrs ago so I changed the hoses and made them 6" longer so no cutting across frame members. There are a few hoses that do this under and around engine.
JohnH

Re: Valve adjustment and Gasket

Reply #11 – April 17, 2017, 08:04:48 am

Easy to determine if hydraulic oil or engine oil. Hydraulic oil will be clear. Engine oil, black.

I agree, best way to clean engine and then find the source of the leak.

Re: Valve adjustment and Gasket

Reply #12 – April 17, 2017, 09:02:00 am

Quote from: DavidS – April 16, 2017, 10:59:29 am

I will call cummins on monday and see about a gasket and go from there.. After looking it over I will see if I want to tackle it or just take it down an have them do it.. My back is not getting any younger.

David,

I just went up to the shop and pulled a new gasket and checked the part numbers for you. You should need a Cummins #3883220 but it is best to take your exact engine number and double check before you just buy one. This number is for the gasket with the new stand off bushings that keep you from over tightening the valve cover bolts. There are some cheaper aftermarket ones out there with out the bushings but use at your own risk of cracking your valve cover.

Pamela & Mike

Re: Valve adjustment and Gasket

Reply #13 – April 17, 2017, 11:15:41 am

Quote from: wolfe10 – April 17, 2017, 08:04:48 am

Easy to determine if hydraulic oil or engine oil. Hydraulic oil will be clear. Engine oil, black.

I agree, best way to clean engine and then find the source of the leak.

Its black for sure

Re: Valve adjustment and Gasket

Reply #14 – April 17, 2017, 04:02:03 pm

David,

If it is oil and you think it may be coming from the valve cover, you need to clean and look closely at the gasket where the wiring harness goes into the top end of your engine. This is hid behind the lifting eye that is on the rear of the engine. (it will be on the front as it sets in your frame) Or said another way the end that has the transmission bolted to it. That little devil will start leaking and will run oil all off on the curb side of the engine making a big mess.

Pamela & Mike

Re: Valve adjustment and Gasket

Reply #15 – April 17, 2017, 06:15:34 pm

Quote from: Pamela & Mike – April 17, 2017, 04:02:03 pm

David,

If it is oil and you think it may be coming from the valve cover, you need to clean and look closely at the gasket where the wiring harness goes into the top end of your engine. This is hid behind the lifting eye that is on the rear of the engine. (it will be on the front as it sets in your frame) Or said another way the end that has the transmission bolted to it. That little devil will start leaking and will run oil all off on the curb side of the engine making a big mess.

Pamela & Mike

I ordered a new seal so if that is it I will use it when I have them check the valves if not I will have an extra. I will double check it when I get the coach back in a couple weeks

Re: Valve adjustment and Gasket

Reply #16 – April 17, 2017, 06:22:52 pm

David,

I just re-read my post #14. and that post leads one to think that the valve cover seals off the wire harness and it does not do that. I need to clarify that there is a separate gasket that seals off the wire harness to the engine. Sorry for not making that clear first time.

Pamela & Mike

Re: Valve adjustment and Gasket

Reply #17 – April 17, 2017, 06:58:52 pm

I don't believe that anyone has mentioned to check that the oil filler cap is still there.

Re: Valve adjustment and Gasket

Reply #18 – April 17, 2017, 07:52:35 pm

Is it possible if the oil dip stick is not seated completely.

Re: Valve adjustment and Gasket

Reply #19 – April 17, 2017, 08:00:16 pm

The oil is from the back and looks like the cover but I didnt look closely.. behind the valve cover .. looked like 2 or 3 runs(kinda) on the edge in the back.. will dbl check when I get it back..

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