Leaking 440 valve covers

Crmzendrgone · 09-18-2009, 10:31 AM

Ok a friend of mine has a 1976 Powerwagon that he has put a 440ci RV engine in he has an issue. The issue is the left valve cover is leaking at the rear. He thought at first it was because the engine has so much torque that it was rolling over and hitting the brake booster. He has clearanced the valve cover so it would not hit. It still leaks he has tried everything from new gaskets, RTV different covers and even the stock covers( i forgot to mention that he has the Mopar valve covers the ones with the pentastar on it) and it still leaks. Anyone come across this issue or know why or how to correct it? Thanks

BernieB · 09-18-2009, 11:07 AM

I've done a lot of work on those engines (I used to own a Winnebago that had one) and that type of leak was fairly common. The problem is that the bolts for the covers don't spread the pressure evenly, even when you use the stock spreaders. My solution was to custom make a set of spreaders out of spring steel with a slight curve to them, and a little longer than stock. This spread the clamping force out over a wider area and stopped the leak.

Crmzendrgone · 09-18-2009, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BernieB

I've done a lot of work on those engines (I used to own a Winnebago that had one) and that type of leak was fairly common. The problem is that the bolts for the covers don't spread the pressure evenly, even when you use the stock spreaders. My solution was to custom make a set of spreaders out of spring steel with a slight curve to them, and a little longer than stock. This spread the clamping force out over a wider area and stopped the leak.

Cool, I am having a problem visualizing what the spreaders are.

Crmzendrgone · 09-18-2009, 01:52 PM

some thing like this.

BernieB · 09-18-2009, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crmzendrgone

some thing like this.
[IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Josh/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png[/IMG]

Yup! Exactly! Those are almost identical to the ones I used to make, though mine were spring steel and not chromed. Looks like someone took my idea and fancied it up. I probably should have gotten a patent on it.

Crmzendrgone · 09-18-2009, 03:11 PM

Probably, could have made a lot of money!

crabtruck · 09-18-2009, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BernieB

. Looks like someone took my idea and fancied it up.
I probably should have gotten a patent on it.

I couldn't get them to take my patent app serious
for how to handlie slow oil leaks.

And it had the beauty of simplicity too.

Just duct tape an oil IV drip to the antenna.

I suspect a conspiracy from Detroit to stop me.

BernieB · 09-18-2009, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crabtruck

I couldn't get them to take my patent app serious
for how to handlie slow oil leaks.

And it had the beauty of simplicity too.

Just duct tape an oil IV drip to the antenna.

I suspect a conspiracy from Detroit to stop me.

That's possibly the most brilliant automotive idea I've heard of since those little green trees came out.

09-18-2009, 10:31 AM	#1
Crmzendrgone Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,420	Leaking 440 valve covers Ok a friend of mine has a 1976 Powerwagon that he has put a 440ci RV engine in he has an issue. The issue is the left valve cover is leaking at the rear. He thought at first it was because the engine has so much torque that it was rolling over and hitting the brake booster. He has clearanced the valve cover so it would not hit. It still leaks he has tried everything from new gaskets, RTV different covers and even the stock covers( i forgot to mention that he has the Mopar valve covers the ones with the pentastar on it) and it still leaks. Anyone come across this issue or know why or how to correct it? Thanks __________________ ENGINES PRODUCE POWER. MOTORS RECEIVE POWER. https://lastroundbestround.com/Home_Page.html

09-18-2009, 11:07 AM	#2
BernieB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fredericksburg, VA Posts: 1,901	I've done a lot of work on those engines (I used to own a Winnebago that had one) and that type of leak was fairly common. The problem is that the bolts for the covers don't spread the pressure evenly, even when you use the stock spreaders. My solution was to custom make a set of spreaders out of spring steel with a slight curve to them, and a little longer than stock. This spread the clamping force out over a wider area and stopped the leak. __________________ If the guys who design 'em had to take one home, use it every day for 2 years, and do all the maint and repairs themselves, cars would have a button on the dash to change the oil, filters & plugs.

09-18-2009, 01:52 PM	#4
Crmzendrgone Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,420	some thing like this. Attached Thumbnails __________________ ENGINES PRODUCE POWER. MOTORS RECEIVE POWER. https://lastroundbestround.com/Home_Page.html Last edited by Crmzendrgone; 09-18-2009 at 03:11 PM.

09-18-2009, 03:11 PM	#6
Crmzendrgone Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,420	Probably, could have made a lot of money! __________________ ENGINES PRODUCE POWER. MOTORS RECEIVE POWER. https://lastroundbestround.com/Home_Page.html

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Truck bed covers	bubbatrucklover	Chevy Truck Forum	6	08-16-2009 12:34 PM
Tonneau Covers	GMC-Truck-Guy	GMC Truck Forum	16	09-13-2008 06:41 AM
bed covers	das5293	Ford Truck Forum	5	12-07-2007 05:51 AM
4 Sale! Truck Box,Grill,Valve Covers,Tail Gate,bumper,	Jenna	Chevy Truck Forum	1	10-08-2006 06:58 PM
Car/Truck Covers	390FE	General Truck Forum	10	10-26-2005 08:52 PM