Make sure the rocker cover gasket surface is flat. Sometimes from abuse or
over tightening of the top screws the cover gets out of true. This condition
makes it impossible for the gasket to do its job properly.
This advice is good for any surfaces you are mating. Chain covers, front
plates, sumps, covers, etc. On some pieces you should use a file to flatten,
expecially around the threaded bolt holes that have been overtorqued. Other
pieces you need your hammer and anvil.
Also, since you experienced oil coming out, check your crankcase breathing
system (usually on an '80 vintage car it is the hose from the rocker cover to
the carb). Restriced crankcase breathing will cause crankcase pressure and
push oil out the rocker cover gasket, the rear seal, and the fuel pump
fulcrum vent. (the latter is usually indicated by lots of oil on the starter
motor). If the rings and valve guides are quite worn, the blow-by may exceed
the breather system's capacity and you will be pushing oil out no matter what
you do. With the engine running, take the oil cap off and examin how much
blow-by is coming out the top. Lots=potential problem. Little=easy to fix
the oil leaks.
Attn: Oil Experts--Does heavier oil reduce blow-by? Alwasy wondered
.
BTW, as long as you have the piece off, clean it up good and repaint it.
Makes your engine look great!
Brian N.
|