Hi: Removed a 4.o engine from a 1997 Discovery. From the heads down there was significant amounts of oil on the block and oil pan. Oil appears to have come from the head gasket joint along the back (worse) and from the front. I have read one suggestion which was a narrow beat of ATV on the head gasket (outside perimeter only) using the "Right Stuff"... I was of the opinion that one should install these gaskets "dry", but perhaps this is the way to stop leaks. Doesn't appear to have leaked from valley gasket,
Open to any and all ideas to prevent oil leaks upon reassembly.
Please give me your ideas on this one!

Thanks

 

I've read that there's three different versions of head gaskets.

I suspect the newest one's may resolve some of these issues

I'd be nervious about putting anything on the gaskets, as you said.

If you haven't bought the gaskets, "make" the guy talk you into them.
If he doesn't know a lot more than you, (he should, if he sells them), then find someone who can.

(you're not buying floor mats)

I also switched over to cork valve cover gaskets, I feel good about using "hi-tack"
as opposed to the rubber ones.

luck,greg

 

I have a 97 4.0 that I am "refreshing".

I was cleaning up a lot of crud from my engine compartment today. I noticed the rubber valve cover gaskets protrude quite a bit more than I am accustomed to seeing. There was a lot of grime just hanging there, no leaks visible.

I am giving my entire engine compartment a very thorogh cleaning. Everything had an amazing accumulation of grime everywhere as well as some old oil caked in various places. I should be able to see any leaks afterwards.

I agree with using the cork gaskets instead of these rubber ones.

I am also rewrapping my wiring bundles. The original tape has not held up well. It falls apart to the touch and is permeated with the greasy grimy crud.

 

If you have the motor out, why not just replace every gasket and seal. It is a whole lot easier now......RIght?

 

V/C gaskets mainly leak because the 2 bolts, that you can see, tend to vibrate loose, so keep them tight using a 8 mm, 12 point, 1/4" socket and you can usually stop the leak.
As for the head gasket leaking, replace them, installing them dry and you'll be set.

 

Thanks to all for your comments. Engine is now clean and ready for dis assembly. Will be putting in head gasket set dry...and will keep valley gasket bolts tight! Thanks again.

Dave

 

Can someone please point out the VC gasket, I am not familar with that term or the bolts Mike spoke of. Thanks.

 

The VALVE COVER bolts are what he is taking about.
You will need a 12 point 8mm socket, I got mine in 1/4" drive so as not to over tighten them.
It MUST be a 12 point socket.
Snug them up at every oil change and they wont leak.
Even if you replace the valve cover gaskets the bolts will wiggle loose again.