NEW valve cover gaskets leaking :(

Hey guys,

Just replaced the old valve cover gaskets on my '98 T&C (3.3L) with new ones from Fel-Pro. These are the big blue $70, rubber, very thick gaskets.

I had never seen gaskets like these before when they arrived in the mail and I thought, "Hey bigger is better right?" They were also pretty rigid and seemed very sturdy. I was however concerned that the short valve cover bolts might not be able to reach the cylinder head because of the thickness of these gaskets, but it worked out.

After tightening the covers down and re-assembling the intake plenum, everything seemed fine. Then I drove 230 miles the other day and after checking the engine, lo and behold, oil is leaking right out the damn gaskets and onto the exhaust manifold! And more oil than was leaking ever before mind you.

And so I ask, what the hell went wrong? My best guess is that these gaskets are either too thick or meant for an engine with a deep groove in which they can seat. The real question is, how can $70 gaskets not work :banghead:

Anyways please weigh in and let me know what y'all think.

thanks,

Alex T

Make sure you are using the proper torque sequence and ? inch pounds.
If you over torque, it could cause leakage.

See what happens, when you over torque an oil filter, www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=1079373