leaking head gasket ?'s

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kundalini - 22 Apr 2006 02:05 GMT

My '82 inline 6 always has oil flung around the engine compartment, and
the head and valve cover gaskets are always sopping wet, but the oil
level (dipstick) is always fine...I hear doing the head might be $500,
so that's out, but the valve cover gasket looks like an easy job, with
proper tightening sequence, torque wrench, and Haynes...
anyone ever do this?
does the list ever end?

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Advocate - 22 Apr 2006 06:05 GMT

> My '82 inline 6 always has oil flung around the engine compartment, and
> the head and valve cover gaskets are always sopping wet, but the oil
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> anyone ever do this?
> does the list ever end?

It's not the head gasket...you are refering to the valve cover gasket. Have
you ever checked to see if the bolts are tight? Don't over tighten of you
will ruin the gasket...

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Stephen N. - 22 Apr 2006 07:57 GMT

I assume you have already looked for oil in the coolant and know that
your truck is not making milkshakes.

You might have someone rev the engine while you look under the hood.
Maybe wear your swimming goggles... Actually, if the oil is leaking
externally you may be able to determine where it is coming from by
powerwashing the engine and then driving it for a short time. Any new
oil will be easier to see.

It might be a place to start.

Stephen N.

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kundalini - 23 Apr 2006 02:56 GMT

The engine compartment LOOKS like it's projectile vomiting oil. but it
must be slloooowy oozing, 'cause the level is always perfect. I just
have to watch it and not take long trips in it for now. The Haynes
gives the easy procedure, tightening sequence, and torque values...
thanks! :+)

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Whitelightning - 23 Apr 2006 22:02 GMT

> The engine compartment LOOKS like it's projectile vomiting oil. but it
> must be slloooowy oozing, 'cause the level is always perfect. I just
> have to watch it and not take long trips in it for now. The Haynes
> gives the easy procedure, tightening sequence, and torque values...
> thanks! :+)

Along with the valve cover make sure the PCV system is working.
memory says the vacumm port that feeds the PCV likes to pack up with crude.
This results in blown gaskets and leaking seals. Blow by was an issue with
these
as well sometimes. If the fresh air "intake" side of the PCV system has been
removed from
the air cleaner its a good indicator, and could also be the reason the
engine bay
looks like its been soaked. Front seals liked to leak as well with age, and
that will sling oil
as well. Sounds like I'm dinging the engine, but the 300 cid 6 is a work
horse engine and
pulls like a mule. They run almost forever even with a multitude of things
wrong.
They do get horrid fuel mileage though.

Whitelightning

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moo@anonamoo.com - 23 Apr 2006 04:50 GMT

Yea its probably the valve cover not the head

but that oil isnt under pressure and will usualy run down the side of the
engine and start smoking on the exhaust manifold

you could clean the area pretty good with some engine degreaser on a rag and
then drive it a short distance or let it idle then see if you can find the
leak.

cant really tell where your from to know if its hot there but is the air
conditioning running ok because a seal on the compressor can shoot a good
ammount of oil under the hood. Not Pints but enough to look nasty.

Could also be a transmission cooling line maybe or power steering.

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