snakepitt1

Okay, before everyone jumps on me, let me tell my story. I had oil leaks from the exhaust valve covers. I replaced the stock covers with "turbo" valve covers and new gaskets. It still leaks. The nuts were torqued to required specs and torque pattern.
I have used Permatex blue before on American engines with great results.
Has anyone ever tried this to stop leaks? I am tired of having a very special car that smokes like a 73 Pinto. <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />
Scott Harris
1973 911T Targa
2.4L MFI

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Hi Scott:

First, I would warn you against using any silicone-type gasket sealant on there. It has ways of finding its way inside everything after it solidifies, and you would not believe what carnage I've witnessed when finding that stuff all over the inside an engine.

If everything is torqued up correctly and you are using the latest gaskets, the reason its leaking is that the metal is warped from heat and/or over exuberance with tools by others before you.

Before you resort to liquid sealers, make certain that the lower valve covers are indeed, flat. You can do this by placing a sheet of #400 grit sandpaper on a flat surface (such as kitchen table) and place the valve covers face down on the paper. Then, move them in a circle for a moment. The sealing surfaces should be uniformly shiny if they are flat. If not, keep sanding until they are.

Hope this helps,

snakepitt1

Thanks for the words of caution Steve. Oil leaks are so very frustrating!!! I'll try sanding the cover flat, but if that doesn't work I'm heading over to the auto parts store and picking up some good gasket material and making my own gasket. I am entering my car in a local car show this Saturday, and I would rather not announce my presence with a cloud of oily smoke.
I'll let you know how this comes out.
Thanks,

Scott Harris
1973 911T Targa
2.4L MFI