new valve cover gasket seepage

Post by **rgk** » 25 Apr 2013, 18:24

If I recently replaced my valve cover gasket, and there is still a small bit of oil seeping past it, can I open up the valve cover and reseat it?

If, for instance, I over-tightened the nuts, can I reseat it using less torque with positive results?

In other words, is the gasket ruined once over-torqued?

What might be another cause of the seepage, if not over-tightening? Warpage? Anything else?

Thanks!

Post by **precopster** » 25 Apr 2013, 19:40

No. You can't just reseat it as it is a cover and it forms the upper race of the cam bearing shells all in one piece. Removal of the cam belt and camshafts is required to reseat this cover. You need to use Volvo's anaerobic sealer after thorough cleaning of both upper & lower surfaces and use 5 new o rings for the spark plug holes. Retighten to 17nM. It's typically around 5 hrs of work

Post by **precopster** » 25 Apr 2013, 20:19

Sorry that previous post would apply only to a 960 or S90/V90

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Post by **rgk** » 25 Apr 2013, 21:45

Sorry, I'm just talking about the good old 1988 245 DL, B230F engine.

Post by **jimmy57** » 25 Apr 2013, 23:00

The valve cover gasket on B230 engines likes to leak in the corners where it bends at the base of front and rear caps. Silicone sealer is not good there as a long term fix. A non-hardening sealer like Hylomar or old fashioned Permatex #2 is good.

Post by **rgk** » 29 May 2013, 11:53

Update: the slight seepage was just that: slight. I don't see any new or excessive leaks. Thanks Jimmy, I'll try to keep this in mind if the leak gets out of hand.

DavidA · Post by **DavidA** » 30 May 2013, 16:55

Try making sure your flame trap and oil separator are clear and clog free. If they are clogged it can cause pressure to build up in the crankcase, which can force oil past the seals.

Had this problem in my 940.