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TR4/4A Valve Cover Leaking TR4

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tekspeek

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I just found this site and joined - Thanks Basil!

I have a 1964 TR4 which that I'm hoping someone can help me with. No matter what I do I can't keep the thing from leaking out of the back of the valve cover. Using new gaskets I've both used sealant and not used sealant. I've torqued the cover very tightly, and not so very tightly. It still leaks.

The cover is flat, both mating surfaces are clean. Any help would be appreciated. This is the stock valve cover that came with the engine.

Thanks for the help.

Pete
 
had same prob with my TR250, found out the PCV (Gulp valve) had been removed by DPO. Re installed & all is fine with the world. If engine pressure builds up your gonna blow gaskets & seals.


Not sure about venting system on TR4
 
Hello, and welcome!

Does your 64 have the valve cover vented back to the air filters? If it is blocked off, the pressure buildup could definitely be biting you.

Assuming you don't have excess pressure, you may very well have a slightly distorted cover which is a pretty common complaint.

There is a vendor who makes custom gaskets for the 3/4 engine which has been reported to solve this type of leak - might be worth a try:

https://www.jmwagnersales.com/T4SiliconeGasket.htm

I read favorable reviews on his seal, but have no personal experience. I did just order one of his through ebay, though, so I can give you a better opinion in a few weeks. Pricey but if it works I think it will be worth it.

Randy
 
On my 3A same engine as yours for the most part with no pcv and enough venting to pollute even the cleanest air (joke). I used red high tack on the valve cover side and let dry in place. On the cyl. head side I used nothing, placed valve cover with gasket in place ever so gently on head screwed nuts down to top of washer on valve cover just where contact started and then made one full turn. If you overtighten, the cork gasket will squeeze out the front, or the rear, or the sides.

Keep trying but if you compressed the gasket in any way it will probably leak and you will need a new one.

Still cloudy with rain again!
Harry
 
Pete,

Take the valve cover and clean the gasket surface area. Apply a 1/8" bead of silicone. Set gasket into silicon. Turn over valve cover and set it on a flat surface and let the silicone cure overnight. The next day install it, but don't overtighten. I don't use sealer between the gasket and head becaue I'm to cheap to replace the gasket when I adjust the valves. If you want a better seal, then use silicone between the head and gasket.

Bill
 
your main vent may be plugged up.the original vent cap sucks (or doesn't as the case may be). get an aftermarket filter (universal k&n ) to replace that thing. also make sure the other vent pipe on the side of the motor is not plugged. follow the others instructions noted above.
rob
 
Thanks all -
Venting is not a problem. The vent to the carbs is wide open. I think the problem is just me. After I read these posts I took a peek at the gasket and although it's oily it doesn't look depressed or cut. I'm going to try Bills technique and may buy the gasket Randy mentioned. Bills solution is cheaper but I'm approaching the $35 that JW Wagner is asking. To all thanks for the input.

Pete
 
I can recommend the JW Wagner silicone seals. Have had one on my TR250 for almost 2-years now and does not leak a drop. Best part is you can reuse the gasket, and the tappet (rocker) cover pops off and on very easily for checking tappet clearances and then reseals each time. A great solution, and Justin (of JW Wagner) is a nice guy to deal with.

Rob.

Rob.
 
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