How long should it smoke?

[FSUSHO]

Painted my valve covers this weekend. I know it's normal for them to smoke a bit while the paint cures, but how long before I start to worry? I've put about 150 miles on them and they are still going.

Thanks

 

[Ferendon]

Are you sure they're seated properly on the heads? You could have twisted a small part of the gasket allowing an oil leak, or the gaskets may have been bad. Did you replace the valve cover gaskets and stem seals when you painted, or did you use the old ones?

 

[FSUSHO]

I replaced with new gaskets, plug well seals etc..

It doesn't smell like oil. It has a distinct chemical smell. I can't really see back there to see what it is, but I'm starting to suspect something is up.

 

[FSUSHO]

You were right. Rear valve cover was leaking. Got it stripped to parade rest right now. Straightened the gasket, new rtv along the rear.

Keeping my fingers crossed this time!!

 

[sdpatt]

Those molded rubber seals neither need nor like RTV.

 

[Ferendon]

Cork is porous and the RTV sets into the gasket and "grips" it. Rubber on silicone is about as strong as rubber on rubber. Oil will seperate the two very easily and it will probably start leaking again. Take it off before it gets too bad, and remove the RTV the BEST you can and hope that the gasket will still seat.

 

[FSUSHO]

Well, it has stopped smoking with the RTV. I'll leave it for now and change it when it starts again. Not a lot of time right now, but thanks for the tip.

Turns out the gasket had turned under slightly, causing the leak. Do you know if anyone sells the rear gasket individually?

 

[pjtoledo]

Ah, what about the little dabs of sealant placed by the cam caps? If the rubber gasket is cleaned the RTV should adhere to it.

Perry