Valve Cover Question

Poor-sche Lover · Poor-sche Lover's Garage

I am in the midst of trying to find the oil leak(s) on my '74 2.0 L. There is a distinct possibility that some is coming from my valve covers. The PO installed these bolt-on aftermarket jobs that have ribs or fins on the outside. My question is this--Would I have better luck finding some stock covers with the retaining clamps or should I continue to work with the aftermarket ones and some "glue"? Is either of them more prone to leak than the other?

robinaube · 07-12-2004, 07:11 AM

I did a lot of engine work on Type 1 motors and had bad luck with the bolt-on valve covers. I use the stock covers on my 914 and have no problems.

ruddyboys · 07-12-2004, 09:02 AM

There was a post almost simular to this on the club board. It seems that the big problem is with the constant heating and cooling of the cover that the nuts start to loosen up causing a leak. With the stock bail, there is always presure and nothing to loosen up to keep a good seal.

Jason Porter · 07-12-2004, 02:25 PM

I only know one guy who gets those to work, and he fabricated a different fastening system. If you just want something strong, and cool looking, a little different if you will, check this out:

http://www.carbonjoe.net/valvecovers.htm

They've got colors too! I don't anybody using them, but I may be putting some on myself.

kmhemi · 07-12-2004, 07:28 PM

I had leak problems with my 914. I modified my steel covers by welding the gasket retainers inside them. I got the information from the tech articles on this board. Problem solved. I think what was happening is that the gasket was slipping out of place as I slid the clamp over the cover. The added retainers hold the gaskets and keep them from moving. It works great and it's free. That just don't happen very often.

kmhemi · 07-12-2004, 07:30 PM

I forgot to mention that I did NOT use any sealer of any kind on my valve covers. If they stay put you won't need it. You might be ahead to go back to stock covers.

Jake Raby · 07-12-2004, 07:54 PM

stock covers or nothing...

The VW logo goes on UPSIDE DOWN when the cover is on correctly...

Air_Cooled_Nut · 07-12-2004, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ruddyboys
There was a post almost simular to this on the club board. It seems that the big problem is with the constant heating and cooling of the cover that the nuts start to loosen up causing a leak. With the stock bail, there is always presure and nothing to loosen up to keep a good seal.

For years on my air-cooled VW I use Nyloc nuts to keep mine on along with fresh O-rings underneath, no leaks, either! I don't see why it wouldn't work on a T4 but I'm also pretty new to these more 'modern' engines...c'mon, stock alternator and full-flow oil filtration!

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

I don't like the bolt-on valve covers. They put significantly more stress on the rocker stand retaining studs/bolts, which are none too strong to begin with. And sadly, a lot of the ones I have seen were of decidedly mediocre quality...

I use the stockers, and glue the gasket to the cover in the corners. I use RTV (very very very light coat only, you do not want any blobs of this stuff falling off in the engine!) but others have used other kinds of sealers. VW logo on upside-down. Triple-check after you put the bail back on that the gasket is seated and the cover is on tight.

Some like to use grease (e.g., wheel bearing grease) between the gasket and the head, or the gasket and the cover. I don't use it, but it sounds at least somewhat reasonable...

--DD