Oil leak coming from the valve cover

[beginer disco]

I have a leak coming from valve cover gasket. Looking at it, looks like a big job. I have shade tree mechanic experience working cars. Do you have to take the intake offer? If so, is it real big job.

[DailyDrivenTJ]

Looking through the Rave CD, it looks like it is a lot of work for what you are replacing. You'd have to remove the intake, which will likely to ruin any gaskets that you separate along the way.

Mine leaked a bit, I just decided to tighten the two little bolts that you can see from the sides of the engine; this seems as though it slowed the leak. I haven't driven it long enough to see if it has actually stopped for good.

[beginer disco]

I will give that a try. Thanks for the help!!!

[Disco Mike]

How bad is it leaking? Have you tried tightening the v/c bolts, it is quite common to have them loosen up.
Before you start tearing her down, tighten the 2 bolts, that you can see, then power scrub the engine and watch it for a day or so.
Mike

[bartell]

Originally Posted by beginer disco

I have a leak coming from valve cover gasket. Looking at it, looks like a big job. I have shade tree mechanic experience working cars. Do you have to take the intake offer? If so, is it real big job.

Yes and no. It depends on where the leak is (left or right), what type of gasket you wish to use and your level of patience.

The right side of the engine is a doodle. The only points of care is whether you are fitted with the later Rover gaskets (evidenced by a edge of what looks like black rubber around the valve cover edge). If you have these, please take care when removing each gasket that none of the four little dowels at the screws don't fall in. Account for all of them. The second point is never to over torque. The dowels are there, in part, because everyone was overtorquing any gasket used.

The left side valve cover is more difficult as the plenum nose is in the way.
To remove the cover, you will have to at least tilt the plenum. That is done by removing the 6 bolts. I find that that is sufficient enough to tilt the plenum a bit..others take everything off. (and more than double the time for that side)

Now you have options for the gasket you will use. Rover cork, Felpro (much better) or the newer LR gasket with the dowels. In all cases, do not reuse old gaskets.

When you replace the plenum, lightly coat the mating edges with a gasket maker or other RTV (silicone) Use a quick setting one. Wipe off the excess after the plenum is secure.

Lastly, a magnetic screwdriver will make it easier to get the inboard screws in place on the left side.

James

[beginer disco]

It's not leaking real bad, I give what you suggested a try. Less work I have to do the better. Thank you for help.

[beginer disco]

It's leaking on the left side, facing the Disco. I am going to try to tighten the bolts and powerwash to see if it still leaks. Can you tell me were the fuel filter is, too? Is it fitted in the gas line from along the frame?

[auwesman]

No fuel filter on the DIIs. It is a sock, part of the fuel pump inside the gas tank. Should not need changing.

[beginer disco]

Guess what the bolts were loose, just tighten them up. Power wash will be done tommorrow. Hopefully, my Disco will keep from marking my garage like its a litter box.

[DailyDrivenTJ]

Originally Posted by beginer disco

Guess what the bolts were loose, just tighten them up. Power wash will be done tommorrow. Hopefully, my Disco will keep from marking my garage like its a litter box.

JFYI, those little bolts are meant to be torqued at like 6lbs.ft which is hardly any. I don't see any problem tightening them down more myself; just be careful not to break or strip the bolt.

[Texmexdisco]

I have the same problem going to do the exact same thing.

[Disco Mike]

Tightening, more then the 6 foot pounds usually will stop the leak. Try it, then power scrub the engine and see what happens.
Mike