[pimpin88]

im trying to stop the small oil leak coming from my valve covers, so i wanted to take them off to replace the seal. i got the driver's side off, and the passengers side i got every bolt except for the rearmost top. before i removed the other bolts i looked at them and some of them were rounded off a little bit, so someone had them off before.

here is the problem. that last bolt that i cant get out is rounded and i cant get a socket to grab on it at all.

anyone have any suggestions. i really want to get this thing back on the road

 

[N0DIH]

Remember, Olds 307's from 85-90 are NOT designed for gaskets!!! Running gaskets is sure way to ensure a leak.

There are little tiny fingers that stick out that prevent the cover from being too tight, but often gorrilla mechanics crush them and the gasket will for sure crush them. This cover is designed for a bead of gasket goo, follow the directions carefully in the FSM and it will be leak free.

It is a 10mm bolt if I remember right, or a 3/8" or 7/16" if older. Make sure you are using a 6 point socket, not a 12 point. You might try a slightly smaller socket, or try a piece of tinfoil on the bolt head/inside the socket to close up the dimension. Or get one of the Metrinch sockets, they grab on to a lot more bolts than std sockets.

 

[DopeStar 156]

My car needs this done too. Is it easy to do? I'd rather not give the shop $300 if I don't have to.

 

[pimpin88]

its relatively simple as long as you can get all of the bolts out. i think new gaskets are $11 or something. and then you need some rtv sealant

 

[N0DIH]

As long as you don't crush the valve covers, do NOT install a gasket. Use RTV only, it is designed for that. The gasket installed will encourage leaks. I did the RTV method, as per the FSM, and it was 100% leak free. Follow the FSM precisely.

 

[the APEMAN]

Either way gasket or no, RTV silicone takes hours to cure. Try not to use the car for a day and the whole thing will last longer. It's amazing what you can seal with silicone.

 

[Brians 85 fleetwood]

Sorry to go slightly off topic, where can I get a factory service manual for my 85 fleetwood brougham. Thanks fellas.

 

[terrible one]

Ebay.

 

[pimpin88]

finally got the bolt out. i was amazed at how clean the drivers side valve cover was, and then when i got the passenger side off, there was so much crap caked to the top of the valve cover.

yea, im not too worried about not letting the silicone cure for long enough cuz the rest of the car is apart right now. im also putting in the cam, doing all new brake lines, repainting the car, and putting in a stereo.

 

[ChiTDI]

Will "gasket maker" be a better product than RTV in this case?
If not, what type/color RTV has served well in this application?

 

[pimpin88]

rtv blue? anyone. thats what i use

 

[N0DIH]

I use Ultra Copper, Ultra Grey, Ultra Blue or Ultra Black. I have had good results with it. I perfer UCopper, but I use the Ultra Black when I need to hide my work. I think GM uses something similar to Ultra Grey on a lot. I have sealed up rear axles with it and valve covers with no issues. Olds 3Ø7's did not come with valve cover gaskets from the factory. But most people put them on and damage them so that it is difficult to use RTV to seal them and gaskets end up having to be used.

Most of the time the color doesn't mean much, but there are some properties that each color has that is different than the next. I think Ultra Copper deals with high heat better. But valve covers only see 200-250 tops. I like my rtv to be hidden, nothing worse than seeing a nice looking motor with rtv ooze all over it.

I used Ultra Grey on my valve covers. GM used it or something very similar.

I think you let it cure for an hour or 2 and then install, maybe less. I have to look in the book. Follow the instructions on the tube, and then install, and wait what is needed. Take your time, plan the route in with the cover (This is the tricky part) and then drop it in and snug it up gently to not damage the little fingers on the cover to keep the rtv the proper thickness.

Just make sure it says "sensor safe" or "oxygen sensor safe" on it. That is mandatory. Outgassing of the RTV (the smell you smell) is enough to confuse or damage an O2.

 

[terrible one]

But valve covers only see 200-250 tops.

How about the intake manifold? Just curious, because I painted the valve covers on the '76 with regular paint and they were fine.