Valve covers are leaking. While my covers are off is there anything I should look

[jrsavoie]

Valve covers are leaking.

While my covers are off is there anything I should look for?

I will be using Right Stuff for sealant.

1995 Tahoe

[jrsavoie]

Any recommendations for rocker retainers?

What about valve cover gaskets?

I've never used valve cover gaskets before. I just read a post on another forum in which they claimed they always used valve cover gaskets. They had seen damage caused by running the valve cover bolts in to far.

[DmaxMaverick]

Much depends on (miles/time) since a competent someone has been in there. Over 100K would warrant a real good look.

Yes, check the retainers. Any indication of damage, cracks or misalignment, replace them all. They should be somewhat flexible still. If brittle, replace. If you replace them, look at the rack for excessive wear, where the rockers bear (underside). Any more than a slight discoloration/blemish is excessive. They should all be about the same.

NO gaskets. They will leak. Period.
A (straight) clean cover/head (use brake cleaner) and the Right Stuff is all that's needed. I'm not sure who might suggest damage from "running the bolts in too far". The bolt-heads would twist off long before any damage to the cast iron, or they'd simply strip. You aren't using an impact wrench to torque them (are you?). Hogwash, IMO. Run the bolts in before sealing, just to see where they are. I don't think they are long enough to bottom out, unless replaced with aftermarket (wrong) bolts, or the holes are fouled.

Check push-rod play at the rocker end. Too much, or indications of mushroomed ends may mean they are either worn out (uncommon), or were installed upside-down at some time (lifter end is less-hardened).

[jrsavoie]

Thanks. This Tahoe has at least 320,000 miles on it. It may be closer to 350,000 I haven't looked recently.

I hope Napa price matches Orielly or Advanced on the Rocker Arm Retainers.

They are .69 each at Orielly's and .99 each at Napa. I'll have to call tomorrow

I sure wish I would have checked for exhaust leaks before I got tore down this far. At least I remembered to check the vacuum pump.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/search/Rocker+Arm+Retainer/03852/C0146.oap?model=C3500&vi=1034581&year=1996&make=Chevrolet

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[DmaxMaverick]

With that many miles, I'd consider a mild refresh of the top end. You should do the head gaskets, and that job gives access to other items that should need attention, such as the water pump. I'd be surprised if these weren't already done, unless you are the original owner, or have that confirmed knowledge. All mine get/got head gaskets every 250K, whether they needed it or not. It's convenient when you decide when to do them. It is not convenient when they decide. 320K is borrowed time.

[jrsavoie]

Not the original owner but we have had it since the 90's.

Wish we would have had this conversation before I started. I was already planning to do injectors, glow plugs and valve cover gaskets. It's to late in the game and I am to short on time to add head gaskets now. I will wait until next week after I get it back together and they let go

I think it had under 100,000 miles when we got it.

I haven't done much more than maintenance to the engine - or any of our other 6.5's for that matter. It's had a new rear end and new transmission.

Daughter was a little hard on it. I do not remember ever putting a water pump on it. I bought it with a bad vacuum pump and lift pump.

I took it to the dealer when I got it, to get diagnosed. They quoted me something like $900 to change the pair. I'm sure glad they did free estimates.

I did buy the parts from them at a discount.

[DmaxMaverick]

OK. Gotta do what you gotta do. It may never need them (I know of a few with 500K+ and originals). I'd buy a lottery ticket, too. Might as well.

[jrsavoie]

OK. Gotta do what you gotta do. It may never need them (I know of a few with 500K+ and originals). I'd buy a lottery ticket, too. Might as well.

I got over 500,000 miles on the original head gaskets in my 1989.

Don't buy a lottery ticket in Illinois. They do not pay anything over $600 now. They are writing IOU's for lottery tickets. LOL