Engine Out, Oil repairs?

[NeedSpace]

Ok, I am hitting some "while I am at its". I was reading dempseys 101 and I looked over my new engine for possible leaks. really looks very clean and dry from on top, but I think I need new lower valve cover gaskets which I assume will be easier to replace installed. However, I am seeing what appears like leakage from the top valve cover gaskets. I know the bottom covers leak, but the tops? Is this normal?

[kidrock]

oil leaks from the intake valve cover gaskets are not typical, but it's not a big deal. From the looks of your "new" motor (?), the oil on your cooling tin looks old....maybe the previous owner never bothered to clean up any previous small leaks.

Nonetheless, I suggest replacing the upper and lower valve cover gaskets. Have you adjusted the valves yet? If not, you definitely should.

Also, you state that the upper portion of the motor appears dry. Do you have much experience with these motors? Have you checked the "Unholy Trinity" yet? This is where you will find the majority of Porsche air-cooled oil leaks.

[jrolstin]

What's the unholy trinity?

[timmy2]

Originally Posted by jrolstin

What's the unholy trinity?

Oil sender, Oil thermostat o-ring, crankcase breather gasket.

[NeedSpace]

I was planning on replacing the oil sender as a matter of course and it is VERY easy to get to, but none of the 3 shows signs of leakage. Should I replace all 3 seals anyway while the engine is out? I am planning on trying out the engine then taking it out again, but you know how those plans go, eh?

[timmy2]

Do all 3 while engine is out.

The "trinity" area cleaned and ready for new parts:

[kidrock]

The "Unholy Trinity":

[nick_911]

If I had oil leaks from on top I would check the torque of my rocker shafts. Off the top of my head I think about 18nm is what they should be and obviously replace the gaskets.

Good luck.

[NeedSpace]

OK, here is my progress report. I was trying to keep my "while I am at its" to a minimum but decided to hit all the standard leak places. I have already done the "unholy trinity", I have the oil cooler gaskets on order. While in there, I found out one of my injectors wasn't seated properly...have those parts on order. I think I figured out why the heat exchangers are loaded with oil.

I have removed the valve covers and am planning on getting the all machined. Here, you can here how one of the covers is somewhat warped. You'll need to have the sound on.

Warped Magnesium Valve Covers - YouTube

I'll let you know my cost...After that, and I put in all my new parts, I think I may be about ready to install the engine. Woohoo!

[timmy2]

I wouldn't bother re-surfacing as they will warp again. Just pick up a set of turbo valve covers for the bottom. It's one of the first suggestions in Wayne's 101 projects book.
They are stiffer and don't tend to warp. Check your PM's.

[NeedSpace]

Timmy2,

Are the bottoms more important than the tops in terms of warping? My budget is tight but if I can limit the purchase only the bottoms I might be able to swing it.

[coldstart]

You most likely only need turbo valve covers on the bottom. As previously mentioned by another poster, the tops rarely leak.

Best of luck!

[NeedSpace]

Gang...thanks for the suggestions. I found a nice pair of bottom turbo covers which were as flat as flat can be! Here they are installed. Unfortunately, I think my torque wrench is broken. It was getting very tight which felt a boat load more than 8nm. I went in the basement and tried it on a bolt in a vice on the lowest setting, I wrenched it down until the bolt bottomed out without that "clicking". Looks like I am going back to sears.



I have sanded down the top covers. One is perfect, the other has a slight rock to it. I am going to continue my light sanding tomorrow.

Here is my new problem. The transmission stud on the bottom right of engine appears smaller than the other 3. I am assuming this is not correct, so I'll be looking to purchase a new one of these puppies...This isn't right, huh?

[timmy2]

Doesn't seem right to me. Was there a repair made to the case in that area with a smaller diameter threaded insert installed? Look carefully before removing it, with that '76 2.7 mag case you don't want to have to make repairs.