Hello All,

I had previously started a thread regarding leaking engine oil pan. I was told that the oil pan was leaking badly, but I was changing the oil the other day and noticed that the oil is coming from the top. I called a friend who is the Manager at Walts Auto, he told me to bring the truck over. He got under and said that the leak is from the valve covers, and not the oil pan. I was going trough the manual and noticed that the valve cover on this trucks dont have a gasket, instead they use RTV sealer. The genius mechanic had taken the valves off and put a cork gasket instead, and I see that at places its cracked. I'm going to get the parts needed this Tuesday so I can do the repair, but wondering if the valve covers are not rusted should I get new once. Its just money kind of tight and $150 I rather not spend if I dont have too. The question is I guess, if the matting surface of the valve is not completely true should I change them for new once, or the RTV will seal better than the gasket. Please help if you have any experience with this, or an advice. Just dont want to do the job twice. Thanks a lot for your help.

 

RTV will be fine and you should take this time to clean up the cover and paint it with high temp paint to make it look good

 

put great stuff you need a hammer to get them back off good stuff