... this thing is always going to leak ..MVSUCCESS !!

Post by **jblackburn** » 01 Dec 2011, 07:25

So much for having no oil leaks for a few weeks

It looks like it's coming from this bolt this time since there's no oil under the black spark plug cover thing at all. Is that even possible? Should I just tighten it down or remove it and put some kind of sealant on the bolt?

It's spraying on the exhaust and smells awful.

Post by **jblackburn** » 01 Dec 2011, 10:46

Via JDS60R and for reference:

JDS60R wrote:Yes - seen this

Sometimes its a mix of internal pressure and improper sealing.

I usually pull the cam cover and sort it out but there are a few ways to try and stop it without dong that. ( If there were scratches or gouges in the cam cover none of the short cuts will work.

Short cuts:
Take out the bolt and use a little permatex ultra grey (1157) on the bolt and shaft sealing it to the head and cam cover. Torque to spec and clean area after RTV sets up. Check in a few hours of running.

If still leaking go to car quest and buy a bottle of AT-205. Put in and clean leak area after 5 hours of engine use. Then observe for leaks after a few more hours of operation.

If neither works then call volvo for Volvo sealant and get ready to pull the cam cover . Remember to mark the timing belts direction of travel so you can put it back the right way.

Post by **Choguy03** » 01 Dec 2011, 10:52

That blows. After my head rebuild, I was so nervous that was going to happen. I was going to say to go with thread sealer and see if that works, not likely, but worth a shot.

obayha · Post by **obayha** » 01 Dec 2011, 11:35

Anything from the place you had your work done?
Is this something they took apart and put back.
Maybe I'm not seeing exactly where it is.
Shane

Post by **jblackburn** » 01 Dec 2011, 11:47

Yeah, it's their fault I'm 100% sure. But I'm 3 hours away from where that was done and need my car every day, and they're only open during the week.

It's really not that hard to put a new valve cover gasket on a motor - I did it when I was 15 years old and the thing didn't leak a bit, but this thing has already started leaking twice from there. Last time their excuse was, "oh, we didn't tighten something down." I'm beginning to wonder if they missed part of the old gasket

I'm hoping it's just that screw - it does look to me like it's leaking from that since the oil is up top and leaking down rather than around the gasket itself. We'll see.

obayha · Post by **obayha** » 01 Dec 2011, 12:57

The distance does make it harder.
It's bad when you pay someone to mess up your car.
Try to seal it for now and maybe get it to them over the holidays.

Post by **Choguy03** » 01 Dec 2011, 13:20

There isn't a gasket on the valve cover. It is machined surface that uses an anaerobic sealant. Still, if you aren't careful you can miss a spot or even glob it up.

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Post by **jblackburn** » 01 Dec 2011, 13:29

So is that red thing there the anaerobic sealant? I think I've seen something similar on the transmission.

Post by **Choguy03** » 01 Dec 2011, 13:35

Correct.

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turbozutek · Post by **turbozutek** » 01 Dec 2011, 13:44

Yeah the head (and some other parts of the car) uses a paint on sealant which goes on with a small short haired roller. While this is a novel approach, it's nowhere near as forgiving as a gasket - the slightest bit of dirt or grime on the surface, or a bubble trapped in the emulsion and it can leak or distort. The parts have also got to be spotlessly clean and you only get one shot at making the seal, you can't press down then change your mind and pull up again like you can with a gasket.

As for your leak, I'd be tempted to find a very thin viton washer and put it under your bolt-head, then tighten it down; bit of a bodge, but if it keeps the oil where it's meant to be, then good news!

Chris...