Early 258 Valve cover Woes

[JMark]

Looking for some help here regarding my Pre-1981 AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l in my '84 (PO swapped it in)

Its got the metal valve cover with 4 small bolts and i cannot successfully get the rear of the cover to seal to save my life and am unable to get it to seal up properly, resulting in oil spewing down the back of the block.

Any thoughts on a replacement that'll actually fit? Cork gasket keeps the leaks off everywhere else but the back, so i'm thinking its bent at this point.

 

[Tommy]

There is a product called the " Right Stuff". It's a form a gasket material made by Permatex and you can get it at most parts stores. I had the same problem as you and tried different gasket material, cork and rubber, and tried the hard plastic cover instead of metal one to no avail. I tried this product once and have been leak free for almost three years now. It works. Try it.

Tommy

 

[JMark]

I tried that when i first bought the CJ, to little effect, i laid it down pretty thick and had the same result. I'm thinking of leaving the cork on and laying it on top.


Also need to figure out how to get my old short dipstick tube out as thats the other major source of oil leaks, I've got a 4.0 TJ one to put in.

 

[elwood blues]

I took my valve cover to a local machine shop and had them dunk tank and sandblast my valve cover, cost me maybe $25.

Then I could see how warpped or messed up it was. After I cleaned mine up, it only needed a little straightening to seal up. That's my suggestion for you.

If it's beyond straightening, your only real option for a new one is a junkyard or eBay. I think Clifford Performance makes one, but it's ~$300.

Are you using the thick Fel-Pro gasket? It may be worth trying too. NAPA Part Number: VS50258C

 

[Dan77CJ7]

I tried that when i first bought the CJ, to little effect, i laid it down pretty thick and had the same result. I'm thinking of leaving the cork on and laying it on top.


Also need to figure out how to get my old short dipstick tube out as thats the other major source of oil leaks, I've got a 4.0 TJ one to put in.

i hate to beat a dead horse but you need to be quick with right stuff it sets fast. i'v used right stuff on the base of my dipstick tube after cleaning it REALLY WELL. and no leaks. let it set over night.

*if you think its loose its pollly tight*

 

[Techlight]

Is it an aftermarket crown/omix/rugged ridge valve cover?

I'm not sure about your year since I have an 84. The one I bought required drilling/tapping the front and rear of the head for a new bolt in some applications. It also takes it's own gasket only sold from omix etc...it's really thick and the ones from the auto parts store (felpro etc) are too thin and won't fit it properly.

Let me know if you want part #'s.

 

[jdcaples]

FWIW, one of my Jeep's POs installed a Clifford valve cover.

It doesn't leak; seems to be made of substantial metal and fits well on my 1980 AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l .

-Jon

 

[Dolf]

I had my first ’86 for 20 years and the only mechanical problem I had was a leaky valve cover. The Clifford took care of it.