oil loss / valve covers

[jamesnmlaw]

Brains - please let me know what kind of mess I'm looking at when removing the upper & lower valve covers. I don't want to drain the oil before (just changed the oil).

Thanks.

[DRACO A5OG]

Do not worry, it will be very minimal maybe 1/4-1/2 a quart. If you do not have to turn the crank then raise one side at a time and you will lose even less.

I removed the tin to check my work and on the rockers. Did not drain the oil

[JacobS911]

jack up the side of the car you're working on for the lowers and that should minimize the oil lost as well as keep it less messy!

[ddinham]

Jim,
I can help you with this. Let me know.

Dana

[jlex]

Place a sheet of aluminum foil over the heat exchangers before you unbolt the lower valve covers. Keeps the HE's tidy when I'm adjusting the valves. Should be especially helpful if the oil's not being drained.

[safe]

It depends on how long since the engine has been runned. Oil migrates from the tank to the case, so start the engine before removing the lower covers. 20-30 seconds is enough.

[DRACO A5OG]

Originally Posted by safe

It depends on how long since the engine has been runned. Oil migrates from the tank to the case, so start the engine before removing the lower covers. 20-30 seconds is enough.

Good Idea, but do not do this if you plan to do a valve adjustment, car must be cold for a valve adjust.

[jamesnmlaw]

The PP board is truly a wonderful resource for me. Thank you all for the information and advice.

[Nick Triesch]

If you have oil loss from the valve covers why not just try to tighten them up to spec first? Sometimes they will work themselves loose. Happened to me months after a valve adjustment. Tightened them up and no leak since!!! Easy stuff first.

[911 SLANT]

Paper or rubber gaskets. From experience what do you prefer. I will be changing my lower valve covers to Turbo valve covers.