I suffer from oil leaks

[Burnin' oil]

but enough about me . . .

My '73 leaks oil on both sides, but primarily on the driver's side. I have replaced the lower covers with turbo covers and have gone through various permutations of gaskets and torque. I even had the new covers re-surfaced. Even though the oil appears to be coming from the lower covers, I have ruled that out by my meticulous craftsmanship.

My question, to which I desire a unanimous and definitive response, is "Do upper covers leak?" And if so, why are the upper upgraded covers so expensive? And, after reading the Olsen article in GQ, I would like him to buy them for me.

Thank you.

[SteveStromberg]

Yes and you have Mag uppers and they are prone to leakage. Try to find a set of used Alum ones, or buy new. steve

[SteveF_911]

Don't forget to check the rocker shaft are not the cause.

I put in the RSR seals, no problems since.

[fintstone]

Lots of leaks that look like they are from the lower valve covers, but are not! Degrease your engine and get under it while it is running until you are sure.

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by SteveF_911
Don't forget to check the rocker shaft are not the cause.
.

ditto

[AFJuvat]

Yes uppers leak, but you will usually see oil in the tin, or it tends to run towards the pack of the motor and drip out there.

Would recommend degreasing and looking carefully for leaks - some UV dye in the oil and a black light do wonders for finding wandering leaks in 911 engines

AFJuvat

[dhoward]

Yeah, me too. Wanna compare Harley's?

[Wayne 962]

Typically, you can see the upper valve covers leaking, so it's easy to rule them out. More likely may be the interface between the heads and the cam towers. Clean the area off really well, and then start the engine. You also may want to use some dye too...

-Wayne

[Jack Olsen]

And typically, I don't pay for anyone's valve covers but my own.

[FRED/LI]

Run your finger under and along the uppers lower edge. You can use a white glove and pretend you're a concours judge. They do this trick when they can't find enough faults.

[Burnin' oil]

Thanks for the input.