Hey guys first post here. How common are leaky valve covers on #6 cylinder?

When I mean leaky I mean dripping down the side of the block (passenger side) - currently looking at a used 12v (224k miles, stock besides straight pipe and #10 fuel plate). First I thought it was a head gasket issue, but it looks like oil coming from the valve cover. I’ve never seen that much oil around a valve cover, but I guess it is possible after a few years of neglect.

 

check to make sure its tight .. the Grey gaskets are the only ones to get .. the others will leak real soon .. if its loose tighten and go about ur day .. if its tight .. get a new set and replace them all .. ( Might as well take the oppertunity to do the Overhead adj. while your there too .. ) ..

 

Yep, I was going to get the Cummins gaskets. Is there anything else that could cause a leak this high on the engine that I could be missing? Still haven't picked the truck up yet

 

check your engine for excessive blow bye .. full temps @ Idle pill oil filler while running .. if it puffs with each firing , then you have issues

if its minimal .. rev it up a bit ...

Keep posted

 

Finally got the truck home. The plan is to rebuild it eventually, but I noticed smoke coming out of the oil fill when doing a quick blow by test. Is this normal? No pressure or oil on my hand when I covered the fill tube, just smoke.

 

yes thats to be expected .. the pressure of puffing while running would be indicitive of a problem thats worth worrying about