Valve Cover bolts need tightening

[Tara Elliott]

I have an 04 Disco with a small oil leak. After much searching, I'm hopeful that it's just that the valve cover bolts need tightening. I bought a 8mm 12 pt socket, but then realized only the front passenger side bolt is easily accessible. I think I can finagle the back one, but what about the driver's side ones? How much of a hassle is it to get to them? Thanks for your advice. I know this is remedial, but I have to start somewhere.

[w7412r]

To stop that annoying leak at the valve covers, I removed the valve covers, used sealant to attach the gaskets to the valve covers, let them dry, then place a bead of sealant at the top of the heads where the valve covers bolt on.

Tighten all eight bolts to 10lb/ft, and let the sealant dry.

It won't leak again if you use a good quality sealant. Permatex, or Hylomar.

Have fun!

[Spike555]

You only need to snug up the bottom ones, the oil does not leak out of the top, only the bottom.
Just snug the ones you can reach.
Do it at every oil change and you wont have any more leak.

[Disco Mike]

I agree, as a good rule of thumb, tighten those 2 bolts every oil change or twice a year and your will be fine, just realize, tighten them, do not over tighten them or you will cause other issues.