Does anyone have any trick they use to stop a leaky valve cover. Ive put a new gasket on, used silicone, and non hardening sealer in the corners by the cam bearings, Ive resealed the distributor, even taken of the cam bearings at either end of the head, and put sealer between the cap and the head as per every manual ive seen. And i still get a drip from the back of the valve cover. Its not much, but its really anoying cleaning up the side of the block every 4 months.

thanks for the tips...we will see what works...and ill repost with the results

After 2 leaky OEM gaskets, I gave up and went to the following:

Permatex Ultra-Copper Hi Temp RTV Gasket Maker.

Thoroughly clean the valve cover gasket area and the engine gasket area with Brake Kleen. Apply Permatex to the gasket recieving surfaces and to the gaskets, both the outer and inner spark plug one. No more leaks for me.

Also previously tried the rtv in the corner trick, it didn't seem to slow leaks in the slightest.

Also, I decided not to torue to the recommended 11 ft-lbs, but rather just until a good resistance was met.

Hi,
I'll second the notion of a Volvo vaLve cover gasket. When I did my headgasket/valve job I initially installed the cover gasket that came with the headset.. This gasket was constantly oozing oil even tho I was very meticulous in installing it. I had enough and sprung for the Volvo gasket and has been fine ever since. BTW, the Volvo gasket was much meatier than the aftermarket one.


Dan

If all else fails...anaerobic gasket sealer.

Hey.
I had a leaky valve cover too, before we replaced it with a newer style. But this is on a 242 Turbo.

What kind of gasket are you using?
I had a cheapo one, but it was not torqued right and leaked bad.

So I bought a gasket from VOlvo dealer, I know I know spendy but it WORKED and continues to.

I did not oil it or anything. Just slapped it on there. It is a high quality gasket compared to the one I had. The one I had would have worked but I think it would have developed problems after a little while.

It has been 10 months and it does not leak at all.

hope this helps
take care

Luke
82 242Ti 167k miles

try cahnging the flame trap if you have not already. Change with every oil change. ($6)

Test - loosen oil fill cap with engine running and set on top of oil fill opening . If cap taps (rattles, bobbles etc...) from pressure, chences are the trap is clogged. Pressure is going out via gasket. Had it on my 240 until someone told me this little ditty.

Hope this helps.
Miguel
86' 240 DL &
87' 240 DL wagon