I decided to change the leaking driver side valve cover gasket on my Crown Vic today. I believe it was the original gasket, and after 14 years it had basically turned to plastic. The car is a CVPI that was in service at Travis County Sheriff's Department in the Austin, Texas area for about 150k miles. Then my dad bought it and used it for his "extra job" directing traffic and providing security until about 185k miles when I bought it from him. The car currently has around 193k miles on it. I'm not sure which bulk oil was used for the first 150k but I know my dad exclusively used Valvoline 5w20 full synthetic and a Mobil 1 oil filter. I have been using Valvoline maxlife blend 5w30 and either Fram Ultra or Toughguard filters. Since it's been out of service, the oil has been changed every 3000 to 5000 miles.
All pictures were taken immediately after removing the valve cover. No cleanup was done. I am very impressed. I have personally never seen an engine look this clean with more than 50k miles.
All pictures were taken immediately after removing the valve cover. No cleanup was done. I am very impressed. I have personally never seen an engine look this clean with more than 50k miles.