Sylvester
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Tearing the engine down today.
2004 L322 Petro 4.4L Camshaft control Bank 2 fault.
- Thread starter Sylvester
- Start date
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Sylvester
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Gents when I removed the PCV there was oil on the other side of it. I replaced it with a new one along with a new gasket and transferred all fittings. Gents I'm reinstalling the valve covers on both side with new gaskets and black RTV inside the valley of the valve cover where the gasket goes and along the top of the gaskets. There was at least 1/4 of a quart of oil in bank 1 and 2 where the spark plugs are. Any other suggestions guys?
myfirstl322
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The seal fits into grooves cast in covers, these grooves need to be pretty clean, any crud and the oil may find it's way round the gasket.
Clean groove shouldn't need sealant but used sparingly it should be ok.
I can't see any other way for oil to get into spark plugs other than poor gasket sealing, or combined with a duff PCV.
FWIW I used red non-setting red sealant in my grooves (and rubber washers) after gasket and PCV renewal and it was oil free months later, and I don't recall focusing on the grooves much.
With new PCV and a smidgen of sealant it should cure the problem.
Clean groove shouldn't need sealant but used sparingly it should be ok.
I can't see any other way for oil to get into spark plugs other than poor gasket sealing, or combined with a duff PCV.
FWIW I used red non-setting red sealant in my grooves (and rubber washers) after gasket and PCV renewal and it was oil free months later, and I don't recall focusing on the grooves much.
With new PCV and a smidgen of sealant it should cure the problem.
Did you use new gaskets the first go around - specifically the inner one? They should not leak if new and installed correctly. As stated above they press in to the groove.
Take a wire brush and clean the groove out well as the original paint flakes bad with age. Using a small amount of sealant would not hurt.
Make sure you replace all your hoses that connect to the PCV system, pay attention to the little one that drains into the oil pan via a hard tube. Make sure this does not get crushed when putting the intake back on.
Take a wire brush and clean the groove out well as the original paint flakes bad with age. Using a small amount of sealant would not hurt.
Make sure you replace all your hoses that connect to the PCV system, pay attention to the little one that drains into the oil pan via a hard tube. Make sure this does not get crushed when putting the intake back on.
Sylvester
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Thank you! Yes I used new gaskets and I pressed into the grooves. I did use a wire brush on my dewalt to clean all surfaces. One thing I didn't do was tight the screws in sequence, which could have warped the valve cover. I did make sure the 1/4 dia hose is connect underneath and not smashed. I applied RTV where specified per the manual. First time I didn't let the RTV set for 24 hours. I will this time. Any other suggestions gents? I appreciate the guidance.
Put a flat edge on it at various points and make sure valve covers are flat or put them on a known flat surface to check for warpage. If they are warped that is your issue. I have a set of spares send me a pm if warped.
I have had mine on and off countless times and have never had a leak into the spark plugs - issues on the sides - but not in spark plugs.
Make sure torque is correct - I think it is 8 or 10 NM. If you over torque them you may strip out the cam caps if I recall correctly.
I have had mine on and off countless times and have never had a leak into the spark plugs - issues on the sides - but not in spark plugs.
Make sure torque is correct - I think it is 8 or 10 NM. If you over torque them you may strip out the cam caps if I recall correctly.
Sylvester
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Oil is still leaking guys. I don't know what else I can do.
Sylvester
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You guys think i need a new oli separator
1) Can you post pictures? I want to make sure we are on the same page.
2) Are you getting leaks on one side or still on both?
3) Can you see the oil leaking from the gasket?
4) Do you have cracks in the valve covers?
5) Did you check to make sure the valve cover is not warped?
6) Did this problem appear prior to your repairs?
7) Are you torquing the bolts correctly? Did you over torque them and have your cam cap studs spinning?
The oil separator should have nothing to do with the leaks in the spark plug area.
2) Are you getting leaks on one side or still on both?
3) Can you see the oil leaking from the gasket?
4) Do you have cracks in the valve covers?
5) Did you check to make sure the valve cover is not warped?
6) Did this problem appear prior to your repairs?
7) Are you torquing the bolts correctly? Did you over torque them and have your cam cap studs spinning?
The oil separator should have nothing to do with the leaks in the spark plug area.
Sylvester
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All this happened after I replaced the timing guides. I will post pictures. I just checked and its both side are leaking . There is a lot of oil in the spark plug compartment cyl 1-4. I will post pictures. The valve cover may be warped or just a bad set of gasket.
Sylvester
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More pics to come when I take valve covers off again.
Willos
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Did mine recently
They has already been done 12 months earlier but leaked
The oil separator was not in the best of condition and replaced with a new one
The front cover gaskets were protruding upwards above the flat of the cam covers. I trimmed these down with a sharp nife, so it was completely flat. Used a silicon sealant inside the groves of the cover and you must use new rubber washers on the cover nuts
They has already been done 12 months earlier but leaked
The oil separator was not in the best of condition and replaced with a new one
The front cover gaskets were protruding upwards above the flat of the cam covers. I trimmed these down with a sharp nife, so it was completely flat. Used a silicon sealant inside the groves of the cover and you must use new rubber washers on the cover nuts
Sylvester
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See picture
On the left is the original grommet with a metal washer. Right is the new one I used without the was. Stupid question, could this be part of the problem?
On the left is the original grommet with a metal washer. Right is the new one I used without the was. Stupid question, could this be part of the problem?
Willos
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No picture available
Sylvester
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attached pdf file
myfirstl322
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Why would you not use the original washers?
Beginning to think differently towards you now if I'm honest.
Beginning to think differently towards you now if I'm honest.
Last edited:
Sylvester
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This is my first time doing this and I used the new rubber Grommets that came with my rebuild kit and didn't transfer the washers. I just noticed that today. My mistake.I hope this fixes the oil leak.
myfirstl322
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Sorry Sly, I shoot from the hip sometimes, 70% is for my own amusement, the remaining 23% is for the resident mathematicians.
Yes, do try the washers, other than I'm like a felled tree,
STUMPED
Yes, do try the washers, other than I'm like a felled tree,
STUMPED
Sylvester
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No problem not offended. I admit it was rookie mistake, LOL.
