Found Oil Leak Need Confirmation 04 4.0L

[Dr Bobs Patient]

Hey all. New member here with a valve cover oil leak question.

I purchased a 2004 4.0 Ranger several months ago and was amazed that it didn't leak any fluids...180,000+ miles. That being said, it developed an oil leak on the passenger side valve cover rear bolt. Not just a small leak but a constant drip right on the exhaust manifold causing alot of smoke when stopped.

I pulled the valve cover off to find this....


About a 3/8" of the piece is broke off at the center bolt hole. Question is, should I replace the valve cover or go ahead with the gasket replacement?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[STL]

I dont see why a gasket and some sealant wouldn't take care of it. It is very small.

[sgtsandman]

Make sure you clean that very well before you try. Rubbing alcohol or brake cleaner should remove any oil residue to get you a good bond.

[Dr Bobs Patient]

Thanks Guys. I'll attempt a JB Weld fix and post pictures....if it works!

[Botta Ranger]

I like blue RTV for stuff like that. If it's really a problem case, I put it together finger tight, give the silicone a chance to set up overnight, then finish tightening the bolts.

[Dr Bobs Patient]

Here's the JB Weld job.


Now what is RTV? And I have also had the advice of using a liquid gasket on the cover along with the new rubber gasket. Is it worth it? Or a waste of money?

Thanks again.

[Botta Ranger]

Originally Posted by Dr Bobs Patient

Here's the JB Weld job.

Now what is RTV? And I have also had the advice of using a liquid gasket on the cover along with the new rubber gasket. Is it worth it? Or a waste of money?

Thanks again.

RTV is silicone, "room temperature vulcanizing". It is the most common gasket sealer used by mechanics and sold in parts stores. Permatex brand around here. Blue for normal, black for high temperature. It's slippery as snot until dry and can cause some gaskets to squish out of place like squeezing a bar of soap in the shower. Frequently used instead of a gasket.
Is Dr Bobs patient a friend of Bill?

[Dr Bobs Patient]

Thanks Botta Ranger. Hit an Advnace Auto store and found red, blue black and copper! Bought copper - most expensive and highest temp.

And the answer to your other question is, yes I am.

ODAAT

[Clinton]

Originally Posted by Dr Bobs Patient

Here's the JB Weld job.


Now what is RTV? And I have also had the advice of using a liquid gasket on the cover along with the new rubber gasket. Is it worth it? Or a waste of money?

Thanks again.

Really nice fix up man!!

[pcityranger]

wow nice craftman ship. You shaped that really well! Hope it worked fo ya!

[Dr Bobs Patient]

Thanks for compliments. I hope it works.