Girl Mechanic Problems...

[ThatDimeChickInAK5]

So I bought a 78' K5 and have some issues:

1. I swapped the valve cover gaskets and it won't stop leaking oil. I did this TWICE (the first time I assumed I torqued them too much, so I did it again)...didn't help...the oil is coming from the back of the motor but the cause doesn't appear to be the valve cover gaskets. Any ideas on where else it could be coming from?

2. I have a cowl hood and it's blocking my wipers from operating. Before you ask, yes I even moved the hood forward, did it for nothing...is there a wiper arm available that may be 'lower profile'?

 

[Fastereddie]

I like this for valve cover type things

View attachment 407379

I was going to post the same…

 

[ryoken]

i NEVER run anything with a blue silicone gasket... it goes against everything they stand for IMO... any fluid will tend to make it slippery.. if it's not sealing, something else is wrong.. cork, composite, etc, have at it..

 

[Wes Harden]

I like that too for everything but stock style valve cover gasket installation. Trans pans water pump, t stat, intake gaskets, is great stuff easy to clean when next tear down. Not really a sealer more like glue to hold gasket for assembly.

 

[ThatDimeChickInAK5]

I swapped the stock VC's because someone had beat on the oil cap port, I got a $60 set from O'Reilly's. Currently soaking the stock ones to reuse (after reshaping), ordered the BLUE Fel-Pro seal last night, will order the Gasgacinch today as well, if she's still leaking after this, she'll just have to drip...she's not blowing smoke and runs like a scalded dog, even managed to spin that 40" tire coming out of the driveway...she'll be fine I hope...if not I'll swap that 350 with a Cummins and make her start smoking!

 

[Bent77]

 

[mrk5]

I like using studs and the extra long spreaders posted earlier. The studs help hold the gasket in place and makes it much easier to line up the valve cover.

 

[TJ1978]

I have the studs on my blazer and c10, makes it exactly how @mrk5 states, lines up and holds gasket in place.

 

[Big Ray]

I swapped the stock VC's because someone had beat on the oil cap port, I got a $60 set from O'Reilly's. Currently soaking the stock ones to reuse (after reshaping), ordered the BLUE Fel-Pro seal last night, will order the Gasgacinch today as well, if she's still leaking after this, she'll just have to drip...she's not blowing smoke and runs like a scalded dog, even managed to spin that 40" tire coming out of the driveway...she'll be fine I hope...if not I'll swap that 350 with a Cummins and make her start smoking

Lol! First off, welcome aboard!

I wonder if your rear main seal is gone....I just bought a 79, I need to reseal everything...

 

[Big Ray]

Secondly, at 37 you qualify as woman. And no, I'm not s biologist! Lol

 

[SpeedlabDan]

Throw out the rubber gaskets n get felpro corks. Just did the same. A little "right stuff" rtv to hold them in place and make sure the corners don't roll inward when tightening. Just went through the same thing. This works.

 

[Big Ray]

Any change?

 

[ThatDimeChickInAK5]

Not that anyone cares LOL but I had to take her to a ‘real’ mechanic (one with an actual brick & mortar shop)! Cost me $189 BUT she hasn’t leaked a drop since returning home and they were able to tell me my master cylinder was leaking bad, which is insane because I didn’t see that at ALL when messing with it!

However, we now have a super awesome issue! I lost my turn signals, and my running lights come on when I press the brakes, I assume it’s because I moved the ground lol and the guy I bought it from knew welding but nothing about electrical apparently!

 

[Wes Harden]

It could be the ground, or something as simple as bad bulbs. Check the ground you moved. Then the bulbs.
We can go from there

 

[ThatDimeChickInAK5]

Yeah they were working before I moved the ground. I broke a nail so I kicked her bumper real good (thought for half a second she was punishing me lol) but I’m smarter than that! So I do know the bulbs are good I’ll have to rip the dash out and figure out what the hell-o is going on.

But with the fresh oil and tight seals she’s running dayum good now! Squalling the 40” tires every time I pull out of my drive still lol. I have to admit I like it when she barks!

 

[Blue85]

Check the fuses. Some light circuits share connections and when a fuse blows one circuit seeks ground through another, often dimly.

 

[Big Ray]

Check the fuses. Some light circuits share connections and when a fuse blows one circuit seeks ground through another, often dimly.

You just gave me the title should I write an autobiography:

The Bulb Shines Dimly....

Lol

 

[dhcomp]

Yeah they were working before I moved the ground. I broke a nail so I kicked her bumper real good (thought for half a second she was punishing me lol) but I’m smarter than that! So I do know the bulbs are good I’ll have to rip the dash out and figure out what the hell-o is going on.

But with the fresh oil and tight seals she’s running dayum good now! Squalling the 40” tires every time I pull out of my drive still lol. I have to admit I like it when she barks!

Grounds, bulbs, fuses are a good place to start. Next, make sure you don't have funky trailer wiring installed. The Y fitting in the middle under the hitch often gets water in it, and causes crazy tail light issues. Next would be the headlight switch itself.

Good luck