Range rover valve cover oil leak

[Manofspacebob]

Hello,

I have an oil leak with my 1987 range rover near the rear of the valve cover on the driver's side. There is a decent amount of oil that has leaked down the rear of the motor. The vehicle hasn't been driven in two months...sadly...but I am concerned that there is more of a problem going on. So, my questions are:

Do I tighten the bolts to the cover and see if corrects the leak?
Do replace the gasket? (I have two new ones)
If I replace the gasket what else should I look for?
Could this be an over pressurization in the motor?

You guys really helped me out last time I ran into a problem and I figured this would be a good place to ask.

Thanks again.

 

[landrovered]

OEM valve cover gaskets SUCK. Use these Felpro part number #VS12993R-1

 

[ratboy]

you can try tightening the bolts.they work loose. you may end up replacing the gasket anyways. you should also check the flame trap on the rh valve cover to make sure its not plugged.

 

[eliaschristeas]

Replace em!!!!!! Couldn't be an easier fix in my opinion good Luck.

 

[Classic Rover]

I suspect you have original cork gaskets.
Replace them with rubber gaskets, but also as cheap insurance, apply a thin layer of Hylomar to both sides of the gasket.

Hylomar doesn't dry and is self leveling, it also acts like a rubber preserver preventing the rubber from hardening.

 

[landrovered]

Ditch the POS rover gaskets, get the Felpro buick 215 gaskets above, they don't leak, I know I have them on all my trucks.

 

[Classic Rover]

Ditch the POS rover gaskets, get the Felpro buick 215 gaskets above, they don't leak, I know I have them on all my trucks.

The Felpro gasket you persistently recommend is a mix of rubber and cork, which doesn't last very long.

100% rubber gaskets are superior to cork, and that is what I recommend and use exclusively. Even Felpro states so in their website, but we already knew that.

http://www.federalmogul.com/en/AftermarketSolutions/Asia-Pacific/SealingSolutions/Products/LeakRepair/PerformanceValveCover/Felcoprene/

Now if someone would make Viton valve cover and sump gaskets, we'd all sleep better at night knowing we wouldn't have an issue.

 

[landrovered]

The reason I frequently promote the felpro gasket is not because they last longer, it is because they don't leak.

Have you EVER seen a set of land rover gaskets make the lifespan of the material? No, they are always replaced because they leak well before they wear out.

The design of the rover gaskets is bad. The more torque you apply the more the gasket is twisted which allows oil to leak out.

The felpro gaskets form a tight sandwich in between the valve cover and the heads, the rover gaskets do not.

Also the Felpro gaskets do not have brass ferrules that will fall out into the nether regions of your motor. I hear the brass is really good for your oil pump, makes them last longer too after a few get crunched around in there.

If you want to bury your head in the sand go ahead. I do not wish to.

 

[ptschram]

How the Hell do the ferrules make it through the screen on the oil pump pick-up tube?

I use high-tack to hold the gasket to the valve cover and that's it. I HATE Hylomar with a passion!

If I could get High-Tack by the 55-gallon drum, I would!

 

[landrovered]

Hyperbole PT, although they don't make you happy when they drop off as you are removing the old gaskets and they will get into the cam area very easily.

 

[ptschram]

Hyperbole PT, although they don't make you happy when they drop off as you are removing the old gaskets and they will get into the cam area very easily.

Oh I understand, just bustin' your balls! I hate those little things.

 

[Manofspacebob]

Thanks for all the help so far!

When I went to begin the process of replacing the gaskets I found something interesting. The bolts holding the valve cover in place were phillips head bolts...the gasket underneath both sides was rubber as well. So, after a little bit of work another problem arose. The driver's side valve cover was scored really badly. Haha I love how this car keeps testing me at every corner.

 

[eliaschristeas]

Old vc bolts are posi-drive..... I like using a razor blade for all the scoring.

 

[sven]

Have you EVER seen a set of land rover gaskets make the lifespan of the material? No, they are always replaced because they leak well before they wear out.

Leak BEFORE they wear out? If they leak arent they already worn out?

Cork gaskets are the worst. They remind me of the series rover valve cover gasket which sucks. Use Elring stuff or go home.

 

[landrovered]

Rover gaskets leak before the integrity of the material is compromised due to a bad design.

If you have ever held a felpro gasket in your hand you would know that they were black rubber not cork color.

But if ignorance to a better solution is where you are happiest then keep on keepin on.

I will not mention these again.

 

[Manofspacebob]

Small update.

Gaskets are replaced. Oil spots and leaks are gone. Small victory. Thanks to everyone for the help again!

I do have a couple of questions more though. (probably should start a new thread.) Being in the northeast I've got some rust spots that I'm going to need to take care of. Each spot is only surface rust and nothing crazy. Two spots on the passenger side floor pan and the rear bumper. What does everyone use for the rust after it's been lightly ground down? Por-15? Is there another product others have had luck with?