Should a valve cover leak within 6 months of replacement? | FerrariChat
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Should a valve cover leak within 6 months of replacement?

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by Threeofnine, Sep 16, 2022.

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  1. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
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    Birmingham, AL USA
    Full Name:
    Jarrod Heath
    #1 Threeofnine, Sep 16, 2022
    When I bought my TR last Feb, the PPI showed the right valve cover gasket as leaking. I had both valve cover gaskets replaced right after taking delivery.

    However, I was looking through the service records and noticed that during the last engine out service (Aug 2021), it shows that both valve cover gaskets were replaced.

    I’ve read posts on this forum about some mechanics not actually doing the work they billed for. The fact that the valve covers were leaking so soon after replacement makes me wonder if they were actually replaced—and if not, what else wasn’t done? Timing belts perhaps?

    Is it somewhat reasonable for a valve cover gasket to leak after such a short time? The shop that performed the work does have high reviews, including on this forum.
     
  2. lagunacc

    lagunacc F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 24, 2013
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    #2 lagunacc, Sep 16, 2022
    Threeofnine and turbo-joe like this.
  3. turbo-joe

    turbo-joe F1 Veteran

    Apr 6, 2008
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    romano schwabel
    #3 turbo-joe, Sep 16, 2022
    there always can be a leak at the valve cover gaskets. happened also to me once.
    so just replace again and not think much about this. importnat is to use a very little silicone sealant at the edges front and rear.

    but if even here a well know shop was doing this job and on the bill there are timing belts then they for 99 % did this job so
     
    Threeofnine likes this.
  4. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
    382
    Birmingham, AL USA
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    Jarrod Heath
    #4 Threeofnine, Sep 16, 2022
  5. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
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    Brian Crall
    #5 Rifledriver, Sep 16, 2022
    Last edited: Sep 16, 2022
    No borescope needed. They can be read by eye from under the car.

    TR's have had a reputation for leaking valve cover gaskets since they came out. Not every one does but I bet most do. If installed carefully and luck is with you they'll stay reasonably dry until the next service in 5 years.

    When TRs were new cars there were so many oil leak problems I nicknamed them Liberian Tankers.
    Ferrari worked and worked and solved many of the issues but valve covers can still be a problem.
    The overall problem is unlike the Japanese the Italians feel no sense of shame over oil leaks. Preventing leaks has never been a design prerogative the way it is with the Japanese. .
     
    versamil, Veedub00, turbo-joe and 1 other person like this.
  6. turbo-joe

    turbo-joe F1 Veteran

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    #6 turbo-joe, Sep 16, 2022
    :) :) :)

    but where there is oil there can be no rust :)
     
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  7. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #7 Rifledriver, Sep 16, 2022
    Many states do not salt the roads so no rust.
     
    Martyt likes this.

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