Oil leak from valve cover

[Toado]

Possibly an ignorant question but I changed my valve cover at the end of last year and all was fine with the new gasket but now I can see that there is some oil seeping out along the gasket edge. I torqued the valve cover down correctly but wondered whether it is possible that the bolts have loosened and it needs to be done again or if I will possibly need to remove and refit it? Thanks in advance!

[herennow]

Those covers can leak if reused. I'd take it off and use Something like a smear of Hylomar on the gasket to seal it (hylomr does not harden and can be cleaned of with break cleaner years later, but seals very well. Easy to take parts apart later also. Permatex makes somethign similar. Otherwise probably time for a new gasket.  I bought one but never used it I'm still on my old one.

[Toado]

Thank you Herennow but I did use a new gasket when I did the valves - the old one was rock hard and falling apart. I also used some sealant (not sure which one but it was recommended for valve covers) but may have been a bit over cautious with the application.

[herennow]

IIRC the cover screws are shouldered so you can not over squeeze the gasket.

Try to loosenthe screw to see if its loose, If it was tight you might have to clean the gasket and reinstall. If loose try to just tighten and see.

[Joolstacho]

Remove, clean, reassemble with light coating of Three Bond.

[herennow]

Jools,  the problem with threebond is that it will seal, but you can never reuse the gasket. Ok for a gasket that is leaking though, But I'd first try Something like Hylomar, that can be removed first.

The trick with hylomar is to let it dry for 10 to 15 minutes before assembling and to only use a light smear.

[Toado]

thank you - I was hoping to avoid removing it all again but it looks like it might be necessary. I've cleaned the oil and will monitor how much is getting out to decide how urgently this needs doing.

[Joolstacho]

Jools,  the problem with threebond is that it will seal, but you can never reuse the gasket. Ok for a gasket that is leaking though, But I'd first try Something like Hylomar, that can be removed first.

The trick with hylomar is to let it dry for 10 to 15 minutes before assembling and to only use a light smear.

Been using three bond for many years and have always been able to re-use gaskets. Maybe you've used a different grade of Three Bond? Just a light smear, but then I assemble, nip screws/bolts up lightly, wait an hour, then tighten up.

[herennow]

Possibly, my three bond went super hard after some years so I figured it would not reseat.

[Bluesmudge]

If you look in the repair manual, there are only a few places you are supposed to use sealant. I think it's just a drop of sealant at each side of the half moons but I can't remember for sure. With a fresh gasket and o-rings and properly torque settings you really shouldn't even need sealant.