I've written before about valve cover gasket replacement on my '49 Champion due to oil leakage and I'm happy to say I received a few tips in return. To begin with, I found the biggest problem after cleaning off the block and cover surfaces was re-installing the bolts that hold the covers in place. After sealing the two covers to the block on both sides (yes I did that) I went to put in the two bolts on each cover but I found they didn't want to line up with the holes in the block. I tried every trick I knew, even removing the intake/exhaust manifold to allow better access, but I was still having a time of it. Suddenly, it came to me that I might have better luck using a length of 5/16 18 thread per inch rod stock from our local hardware shop and cutting it into pieces with about an inch of extra length for each hole and threading each piece into the holes in the block. Of course, I threaded a nut onto each piece before cutting them to length and dressed both ends of each piece with a file. I then threaded the pieces into the block until they bottomed out. I then lined up the holes in each cover with the newly installed pieces of stock and tightened each nut and allowed the gasket sealant to set up and ran the engine. I wasn't concerned over the extra inch or so of stock that stuck out from each cover. I found no more oil leaks from the vicinity of the covers so I considered the job done. Could a job be that simple? Did I overlook something? I'm saving the factory bolts for some other job. Tony.
-
-
As I recall the last time I worked on a Champion six, the holes in the Covers are quite loose with enough wiggle room to help line up the screws to the holes in the block, so much that they require asbestos filled, copper washers to seal them.
I don't remember any problem installing those covers except making sure the Oil Baffle plates stayed in place perfectly to not interfere with aligning the screws.
It is possible that I had an easier task than you, because initially at least, I did this with the engine out and accessible.
Of course before doing that, I did plug the 12 pressurized Valve Lifter Oil passage holes under the covers to prevent future blow outs of the gaskets.
In the 12,000 miles I ran that rebuilt '54 Champion, it never leaked a drop there, only that stink-in Felt Timing Cover Seal.StudeRich
Second Generation Stude Driver,
Proud '54 Starliner Owner
SDC Member Since 1967 -
A bolt is a bolt, so if it works, great!Comment
Comment