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towncar95
September 13th, 2006, 05:37 PM
hey guys

when i replaced the head gaskets , i also put in new valve cover gaskets. the old ones leaked. now the new one leaks too. it only leaks on one bolt the first one on the back side near the driver.
so i tighten it again. and it started to leak. looks like its leaking up through the bolt/stud head. im thinking of taking it off and putting some sealant on the thread hole. its not to bad a leak. it leaks on to the exhaust manifold and burns off. sometimes there is a little smoke. is this a common problem? is there any tips on this?
thanks . pretty soon my 1989 will be FULLY RESTORED !!! :) :): ):)
JoshMcMadMac
September 13th, 2006, 05:38 PM
When did you last replace the PCV valve? If it's old and stopped up it can cause excessive pressure, and in turn create leaks.
towncar95
September 13th, 2006, 05:44 PM
i replaced the pcv when i did the head gaskets. that was about 4,000 miles ago.
nailfoot
September 13th, 2006, 06:07 PM
You did the head gaskets on an Essex Conti? That makes me feel really insecure about my abilities...in that I am afraid to attempt it on a 4.6!

Go you!
towncar95
September 13th, 2006, 08:46 PM
yup nailfoot. i did do them gaskets .and my next shot will be at the 1995 towncar. it might need headgaskets, or it could be the exhaust manifold gasket.
Steve Moran
September 13th, 2006, 09:35 PM
I wonder if the aluminum valve cover is not cracked right in that spot.
MichiganTeddyBear
September 14th, 2006, 06:41 AM
What Steve said.. also, while less likely, could it be bent/tweaked a little bit?? not as common as with the stamped steel covers, but still a remote possibility.

After doing the head gaskets on my cougar, I would NOT hesitate to do them on the conti.. just a garage and a weekend (at the pace I work at)...
pro-five-oh
September 14th, 2006, 09:31 AM
Get another valve cover from a 3.8L Taurus in the junkyard. The early 80s 3.8Ls had plastic valve covers, which are either better or much worse.
MichiganTeddyBear
September 14th, 2006, 10:02 AM
speaking of oil leaks... my 91 I think is leaking on the rear cover too.. I have also replaced my gaskets with good quality molded rubber/silicone fel-pro's.. (same as I used on my 92 cougar with excellent results). I havn't looked into it to see if its worth worrying about, but my car has only one purpose in life right now... to drive 4.6 miles a day!