Mysterious leak?

Murdok · #1 09-03-2011, 09:30 PM

When I bought my 91 ranger XLT, the owner showed me where a bit of moisture was in the engine and said it was the valve cover leaking and to get it looked at because if not coolant and oil could mix. Does this sound legit and how can I check this?

Murdok · #2 09-04-2011, 07:20 AM

I got some pictures of the moisture, but can't pinpoint where it's coming from:

It's behind the braided hose in the picture

94mtx · #3 09-04-2011, 07:22 AM

If it was the valve cover, it could NOT cause oil and coolant to mix. I can't tell anything by your picture.

djfllmn · #4 09-04-2011, 07:23 AM

sounds like the valve cover gasket is leaking a little bit

Murdok · #5 09-04-2011, 07:24 AM

It's in the middle of the engine, on the front, to the top left of the pulleys coming out of the engine. Or below the valve covers a bit...any ideas?

Murdok · #6 09-04-2011, 07:24 AM

How can you repair a valve cover gasket?

djfllmn · #7 09-04-2011, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murdok

How can you repair a valve cover gasket?

you dont repair it...you replace it and when you do one you do both

94mtx · #8 09-04-2011, 07:27 AM

Remove the valve cover bolts, remove the valve cover, clean up mating surface of the valve cover and where it mounts to, put new gasket in place, carefully align the valve cover onto the new gasket, making sure that the gasket does not move and that all of the holes still line up. Insert bolts, torque them to spec in a diagonal/cross pattern.

what motor?

djfllmn · #9 09-04-2011, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94mtx

Remove the valve cover bolts, remove the valve cover, clean up mating surface of the valve cover and where it mounts to, put new gasket in place, carefully align the valve cover onto the new gasket, making sure that the gasket does not move and that all of the holes still line up. Insert bolts, torque them to spec in a diagonal/cross pattern.

Not sure on your V6 - if it's the same as the 3.0 in my Taurus then it's easy.

it should be even easier on his truck because the motor isnt mounted transversly

94mtx · #10 09-04-2011, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djfllmn

it should be even easier on his truck because the motor isnt mounted transversly

Yeah after I posted the v6 comment I scrolled back up, skimmed, and didn't see anything about him saying it was a v6.

----------

Ohhhh we're in the 3.slow tech forum.

djfllmn · #11 09-04-2011, 07:32 AM

he has a 3.0...look at the section its posted in lol

94mtx · #12 09-04-2011, 07:34 AM

HAHA I knew I saw that before... Caught it before u posted too lolol

djfllmn · #13 09-04-2011, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94mtx

HAHA I knew I saw that before... Caught it before u posted too lolol

i know haha

Murdok · #14 09-04-2011, 07:44 AM

Since I don't have a torque wrench, can I just tightn them down or does it have to be exact?

webster426 · #15 09-04-2011, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murdok

Since I don't have a torque wrench, can I just tightn them down or does it have to be exact?

Buy a torque wrench and do it right the first time. You will save yourself a lot of time and trouble. Over and under torquing things will cause more repair (i.e. have to replace the valve gasket all over again)