lexluthier72 Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 I thought Id start another post since I found the problem to why my valve cover will not seal. The valve cover is warped. The word is to replace it with a metal cover? OR? There is an 1/8inch gap on the drivers side middle....This was is my daily driver, any quick help would be appreciated. I have had no luck finding one locally. -E. IF anyone has a spare metal cover, PM me please.
87Warrior Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 It's not metal, but it is new: http://www.jeep4x4center.com/plastic-va ... 03857.html (I have ordered several items from this place with great luck) http://www.quadratec.com/products/51104_0012.htm (if you like q-tec for $10 less) Note: The two links above have the same manufacture part number.
87Chief Posted September 11, 2011 Posted September 11, 2011 I got my 2.5l valve cover from a 91YJ wrangler. It's aluminum and doesn't leak. Just had to re route some hoses and fittings for the ccv and vacuum but very cheap
lexluthier72 Posted September 11, 2011 Author Posted September 11, 2011 87warrior....sadly, thats what I have (PO installed) and its junk. I did locate an OEM plastic cover from a 94 for $25 Just now. I'm off to pick it up. I will be on the lookout for a metal cover, which seem to be pretty rare here in MN. -Erin
1987Comanche Posted September 12, 2011 Posted September 12, 2011 The VC on my '87 was like that. I used RTV instead of a gasket, which will fill in the imperfections. Not pretty but it worked ok.
lexluthier72 Posted September 12, 2011 Author Posted September 12, 2011 87....I got the new cover tonight. Got it cleaned up and ready to install. This one does have a slight bow (about a 32nd) but I don't expect it to be dead flat being as its a pull from a 94. But, the one I pulled off would not even sit flat with the gasket on....This one will at least sit fairly flat with the gasket. I'll know more tomorrow when I get to re-installing it. I would've gotten farther, but I also got to climb under the house dryer today to retrieve a ball point pen that went into the lint vent (and all over the load of clothes) Its beer time. -E. I will definitely be weighing the option of how much/where to put the RTV. The head surface isn't what I would call the most stellar finish either.
1987Comanche Posted September 12, 2011 Posted September 12, 2011 The head surface isn't what I would call the most stellar finish either The VC/Head mating surface on my 2.5 was as cast! It apparently missed the milling operation entirely. Imagine my surprise at prying the leaky old cover off and finding that :nuts:
lexluthier72 Posted September 12, 2011 Author Posted September 12, 2011 Thats pretty much what mine looks like as well :hmm: I have my mechanic buddy coming tomorrow afternoon to take a look and give me a hand, as I tried twice with the warped cover, this time, Id like to get it right. You still have the 87? Does it leak?
Thunderbear Posted September 12, 2011 Posted September 12, 2011 The head surface isn't what I would call the most stellar finish either The VC/Head mating surface on my 2.5 was as cast! It apparently missed the milling operation entirely. Imagine my surprise at prying the leaky old cover off and finding that :nuts: Mine's the same. Seems to be par for the course for 2.5s. Probably the reason the rubber gasket is so thick.
lexluthier72 Posted September 12, 2011 Author Posted September 12, 2011 This is good to know. Thunderbear....where did you get your gasket? Brand/Material?
Thunderbear Posted September 12, 2011 Posted September 12, 2011 O'Reilly's. Thick rubber bugger, which I'm sure would have worked had the cover not been cracked all to hell. Then I got a new valve cover which came with some wierd permatex/foam thing. It worked, so it's still on there. Or was, until tonight, when I started pulling the head.
lexluthier72 Posted September 12, 2011 Author Posted September 12, 2011 Cool. I'll have to check it out, I have one, its about 1/16th thick...possibly the same one? Did you RTV both the head side, and the VC side? -E.
Thunderbear Posted September 12, 2011 Posted September 12, 2011 1/16th? No way, this thing was closer to 1/4". I didn't RTV anything for the old valve cover, just tried to epoxy the cracks and put a new gasket on. Epoxy didn't hold, and the bolt holes were cracked off in several places, so I bought a new valve cover for 40 bucks.
lexluthier72 Posted September 12, 2011 Author Posted September 12, 2011 wow. ok. I'll look into it. I did get a new "used" cover today. Giving it a go tomorrow. Found out the old cover was an aftermarket cover, seeing them side by side, the OEM cover is much more robust, plus, I'm told by the guy I bought it from, it came off his previous engine and did not leak....(IF I can believe it) His old gasket was not covered in oil, so thats a good sign.....The OEM cover I got is not perfectly flat, but its at least in the ballpark, and I don't expect a used cover to be perfect....just not leaky.
1987Comanche Posted September 13, 2011 Posted September 13, 2011 You still have the 87? Does it leak? She moved to a new home almost 2 yrs ago. I sold the '87 4cyl AX-5 2WD with 19XXXX miles to buy the '90 I-6 AX-15 4WD with 117,000 miles. I pulled the VC on the '87 to replace the lifters and pushrods and drove her for 1.5 yrs with no leaks. I used to have an extra 2.5 OE VC laying around here somewhere. Do you want me to look for it? its about 1/16th thick A 1/16" gasket would not have sealed mine either.
lexluthier72 Posted September 13, 2011 Author Posted September 13, 2011 UPDATE: I found a metal cover from a 94 wrangler. It fits size wise, and all the holes line up. It takes a different gasket, apparently they re-designed the 2.5 cover in 94 and added dimples at the bolt holes so you could not over-tighten the bolts. It will take some slight re-work of the vacuum and PCV valve but It should work very nicely. I will be sure to report back after I convert it. I have the gasket on order, and I'll have to find bolts without the shoulders on them.... -E. Thanks for listening to my rant :D
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