Valve cover question

[vicar]

My valves have a lot of oil seepage. As a first resort I want to try to tighten the valve covers. I have an inch-pounds torque wrench. How long of an extension will I need to reach the bolts? 53 in-lbs right? Any tips?

If tightening the covers doesn't work I'm taking the truck in for a valve job. Is there anything else I should have the mechanic do while the engine is opened up? Do we have any other gaskets that wear out and need replacing?

 

[jgue467]

Very likely to help

When I got my rig 3 yrs ago, it smoked, smelled of burning oil on exhaust, looked around and found the vc bolts rather loose. Some I could turn by hand several times. I tightened them all (just till nice and snug who knows how many inch pounds!).

Cleaned up the oil as best I could with engine gunk stuff, but it continued smoking/burning for a few weeks then after a couple months it all ended. That was nearly 3 yrs ago and all is good. though they haven't started leaking again, I went ahead and snugged them up again recently, some needed a couple turns.

You'll mostly get to the lower ones, which are the ones leaking especially towards the back. 10mm, sometimes a small open wrench works best, sometimes a socket, usually no extension, each bolt is different than the other, so have all ur stuff at the ready.

Why a valve job? Luck! :banana: