New valve cover gaskets and still leaking V6 4.3

[Kubaat3lover]

Hello fiends,
I bought new gaskets from Felpro, blue one, replaced and torqued to spec… still have some oil seeping from the rear corners… any ideas what to do? Use some silicone sealant??

 

[alldodge]

What 4.3, serial number?

 

[Scott Danforth]

are the valve covers straight?

 

[Kubaat3lover]

What 4.3, serial number?

0W326935

I dont know If its straight, should i snug bolts more ?

 

[alldodge]

Those are the new style and should not have much issue sealing. The gaskets fits inside a grove on the cover and it uses 3 bolts in the center

Need to use a straight edge and see if the cover edge is straight. Like a framing square. Are they both leaking or just one side?

Torque shows 106 inch LB

 

[Kubaat3lover]

I would say both outer corners leak, I did all according to manual and also I’ve use scotch pad a little to even the area…

 

[alldodge]

If covers and head edges are straight, might clean the surfaces and use some acetone to make sure all the oil is removed, then use some Black RTV in the corners. Put covers on but don't torque right away, finger tight so the RTV comes out some. Next day torque to spec

Hope others will come along with some other ideas.

 

[Scott Danforth]

never had the rubber gaskets leak unless the covers were bent

 

[Bondo]

never had the rubber gaskets leak unless the covers were bent

Ayuh,.... Ditto,....

Ya might try a little perfect seal where ya think it's leakin',.....

Yer sure it's not from the distributor, or oil port next to it,..??

 

[Kubaat3lover]

I just touched corners and was wet with oil. And No I’m not sure , I will have to check it, I didn’t know it can leak there too…
Do you have any pic, drawing where to look for leak??

 

[Scott Danforth]

dont just feel. look. if you cant get your eyes back there, use your phone on a selfie stick

if the oil leak is still coming from the valve covers

pull the valve cover off (the blue rubber gaskets can be reused hundreds of times)

look at the flange. is the flange perfectly flat and straight (checked with a straight edge per post #5 - yes or no?

if not use a block of wood and a hammer and make it straight

if you need a guide on making valve covers and other engine tin straight.

watch this video. https://www.agriculture.com/video/sf-engine-man-leak-proof-engine-sheet-metal

its the best I can find to show people what was taught in automotive 101 almost 40 years ago. and it doesnt have the fluff content that 90% of youface videos have.

 

[Kubaat3lover]

I will do my best and check everything , I will keep you updated thank you for all details

 

[Bondo]

I just touched corners and was wet with oil. And No I’m not sure , I will have to check it, I didn’t know it can leak there too…
Do you have any pic, drawing where to look for leak??

Ayuh,.... There's a gasket, under the distributor,....

'bout an inch or so to port, 'n maybe an inch or so aft, is the oil pressure port for the oil pressure gauge sender,.....

 

[Kubaat3lover]

Ok ive spent half day on a boat chasing the leak. After running the engine and shut off I’ve got 1-2 drops of oil in the bilge..
I think around distributor and oil sensor area is clean. But ive noticed oil around intake? Here’s the pic before #1: I’ve cleaned with rag before boating,
Pic #2 is after some WOT and cruising at 2500
I have also some oil around this breather ? Pic #3

I have noticed also smoke, fumes? Coming from oil filling then when unscrewed. Is that normal?

Video:

ive snugged valve bolts a little just 1/8 of a turn… will see if it helps because 1 corner was with oil a little

 

[alldodge]

Don't see an issue with the oil vapor, all motors do it and the older they get the more it does it

 

[Kubaat3lover]

OK, engine has only 380hours most of the time at idle or 2000-3000rpms… looking forward for your advice guys

 

[alldodge]

I thought the gasket couldn't be seen once installed. Never had a V6 so @Bondo @Scott Danforth @kenny nunez

 

[Kubaat3lover]

And @achris

Mercruiser iBoats Mafia

 

[QBhoy]

Hi. Sounds like you might have a high crankcase pressure perhaps. Are your breathers blowing or blocked ? Is there a serious pressure from the oil fill cap if you put your hand over it when running ?

 

[Kubaat3lover]

I covered cap with my hand at idle and nothing was sucking Or puścimy out my hand …