I have a 2003 ford f350 with the 6.0l, no mods what so ever. I am trying to fix an oil leak once and for all. I have posted on here previously about a mysterious leak. In the past I have replaced head gaskets, all four valve cover gaskets and also all the other top end seals, "O" rings and gaskets. My head gasket appears to still be leaking and I also had oil leaking from the driver side lower valve cover gasket. I'm thinking the reapperance of oil is due to improper torque even though we followed the instructions. Now I am getting ready to pt back together but I was wonder if I should put anything on the valve covers prior to torqueing the bolts. Maybe like a thin layer of RTV or vasoline? I just dont want to get it all together again to have another leak. I know many of you have sugested using the studs verses bolts however my boss does not want to shell out the extra 400-600 bucks. Also, I have all the torque specs for every bolt that I have removed and I also have the sequence in which to torque them but when I install the valve cover "towers" I have three different size bolts with different specs. Do I follow a certain pattern to torque all of them or do I stick torqueing all the lasge bolts follwed by the smaller ones. I'm thinking maybe that is why my bottom valve covers gaskets were still leaking after I torqued them. Anyway, I hope someone out there has the answers so I can finally get the leaks fixed. Thanks.

 

I found the answers I was looking for once I purchased the correct servive manual.

 

What was the answer? I'd like to know myself.

 

I didn't find anything in regards to putting a thin film of rtv on the valve cover gaskets but I did find the proper torque sequence. First I torqued the valve cover risers to the cylinder head afterwards I tourgued the rocker arms followed by the large headbolts and lastly the remaining smaller head bolts which is on the top side of the cylinder head along side the intake. I also found that one of the intake gaskets was previously put on upside down and the guide that sets against the intake manifold was crushed. The seal at that point was seperated and I believe it led to a vacume leak. Some information I found helpful was in the 6.0 bible but we also purchased a repair manual.

 

on any reusable gasket it is good to put a thin film of grease on them, it lets the gasket spread evenly. it's when the gasket binds that oil leaks occur

 

Well, I got it all back together and once again I am fighting an oil leak. Why does Ford have you torque the head bolts to 65 ft lbs first, then 85 for the top bolts and then 90 degrees times three? Why not torque all of them to 85 then 90 degrees times three? I put oil dye in the system so now i will use the UV light to locate the leak. This is getting frustrating.

 

If it seems like it is leaking down the back of the block I would say it is the ICP sensor, they are notorious for leaking through the sensor itself and through the connector too.

 

cracked head maybe? dont know exactly were your leak is still coming from. but it might be a possibility.

 

I'd agree with Bob. I just replaced my ICP on my 2003 not to long ago. Drips all down the back of the block and all over the bellhousing and oil pan. It's no fun changing that thing though. Definitely check to see if the bellhousing is covered in oil.

 

Check you oil pressure sensor also. It sits right behind the oil filter right next to the turbo. I had mine blow a hole in it and it leaked off the backside of the block.