Should I change the can cover gasket?

[cadfaeltex]

This is on my 94 Jag XJS 4.0 slant six.

It has a very slight oil leak around the cam cover. It is really more of a 'seep' around the back quarter of the gasket. It has not used any oil in the month and a week I've had it (driven every day). It also is not leaking enough to get to the floor. The perfectionist in me says it needs to be changed - as does the parts house I got the replacement gasket from. However, another forum (jag) said it was so slight not to mess with it.

So I've got three option floating around in my mind:
1) Change it.
2) Leave it well enough alone.
3) Re-torque the bolts to make sure they are tight to spec (20 ft/lbs).

Which would you guys recommend?

 

[oggb]

A leak is a leak - if you want to change it, change it. I doubt a leaking valve cover gasket is going to cause major mechanic damage, so do it at your leisure.

I'd try tightening the bolts a little tiny bit.

 

[justinf89]

It would bug me enough every time I opened the hood that I'd have to end up fixing it. I don't like known problems going unfixed, call it ocd.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Clean the area that has oil seeping after re-torque the bolts to slightly more than spec at 21-22 lbs/ft, check these area after 1 -2 weeks after driving. It should stop the oil seeping.

 

[cadfaeltex]

Originally Posted By: justinf89
It would bug me enough every time I opened the hood that I'd have to end up fixing it. I don't like known problems going unfixed, call it ocd.


That's pretty much where I'm coming from but old british mechanicals lend me more to the 'if it ain't TOO broke, don't fix it side of the house'.

 

[Steve S]

First check the torque , then change the gasket.

 

[cadfaeltex]

Originally Posted By: Steve S
First check the torque , then change the gasket.


Think that's the way I'm leading. No harm, nothing spent as long as I don't over-torque and crack anything.

 

[Win]

I'd change it, it's about a fifteen minute job.

The half moon seal at the rear of the cam cover has probably shrunk and I doubt tightening down the screws on the cam cover will do much for that. Be sure to use RTV sealant on the half moon.

Be sure that the gasket kit that you get has the spark plug seals so you can change those when you have the cover off.

 

[JosephHarmon]

Slight or seepage leaks will only collect dust & you would be better off leaving it be.

A leak that washes the dirt away should be fixed.

 

[mechtech2]

Lots of good advice above.
but sure... check the bolts first.

A little wetness is common and harmless.

And, it IS an English car!

 

[JoeWGauss]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Lots of good advice above.
but sure... check the bolts first.

A little wetness is common and harmless.

And, it IS an English car!


As usual Mechtech2 has the best advice.!!!!

It is not leaking and as long as the slight weeping stays that way better to leave it alone.

 

[cadfaeltex]

Ok, I have a plan of attack:

1. Retorque the bolts to spec and monitor.
2. Change the half moons and inspect the other gaskets (cam cover and plug ring) and replace if necessary - was suggested on jag-lovers.

 

[cadfaeltex]

It's done. Ended up changing them. When I loosened to re-torque I lifted up the cover a bit to take a look. The gasket was cracked in quite a few placed. Changed it out along with the half moons (with black rtv) and the plug ring gaskets. Looks good so far. Going to go for a little drive in a bit to check to see if I got them down good. The spec (as it turns out after checking the manual myself) is only about 10 Newton meters. Did the back and forth and around tightening to make sure it was equally seated.