Intake manifold/valve cover gaskets

[Williebeaman]

So I got some slow leaks around the valve covers and intake manifold and figured bows a good time to replace them. It’s not even enough of a leak to have to add oil between changes but it’s been building up grime for some time. No idea how many miles on engine and the guy I got it from had zero knowledge of the truck. Seems like it should be a simple job. Any recommendations or things to look for while I’m in there?

 

[Bent77]

So I got some slow leaks around the valve covers and intake manifold and figured bows a good time to replace them. It’s not even enough of a leak to have to add oil between changes but it’s been building up grime for some time. No idea how many miles on engine and the guy I got it from had zero knowledge of the truck. Seems like it should be a simple job. Any recommendations or things to look for while I’m in there?

Aside from gaskets, Look at the rockers, pushrods, and rocker studs

I do like the reusable type of valve cover gaskets. They seem to hold up better and leak less

 

[Wes Harden]

if you have an aluminum intake manifold inspect the sealing surface at the rear cyl head coolant ports for electrolysis damage. Cast iron should be good. I neve use the valley gaskets under the intake. Only a nice bead of rtv, the right stuff is great for this, kinda $$$ thou.

 

[Williebeaman]

Aside from gaskets, Look at the rockers, pushrods, and rocker studs

I do like the reusable type of valve cover gaskets. They seem to hold up better and leak less

What am I looking for when inspecting them? Still really new to this whole mechanics stuff

 

[Bent77]

Excess wear, and sometimes the rocker studs are either pulling out or pulling the threads off the top

basically, if it looks bad it might be. You can alway post a picture and get another couple eyes on it if you have a concern

 

[diesel4me]

I start up and idle the engine for a minute to see if all the rockers move the same amount while the valve covers are off--this will show up a worn cam lobe(s) ,if one or more doesn't move as far as the others --also if the rocker studs aren't all showing about the same amount of threads past their adjusting nuts this will indicate one may have pulled out some,or a cam lobe or worn lifter base needed that one to be tightened down more to eliminate the ticking from excess valve lash..

The oil will shoot everywhere with the valve covers off--I have an old valve cover I sawed out to expose only the adjusting nuts to contain the oil ,I have also cleaned off the rocker arms where the push rods seat in them and put duct tape over that area to contain the oil spray long enough to see if there is any rockers not moving as far as the others..good time to inspect the valve springs and see if any valve stem seals are missing or broken--clean out the oil return holes in the heads too,so oil can flow back into the oil pan easily..