JJCIII

LDP code plus an annoying whistle. I guess I let the vcg leak a little too long. Doesn't help that the manifold bolts weren't as tight as they should be.

dave1123

Okay, so you're saying the valve cover leak ruined the manifold gasket? Seems likely. Good to know. Thanks for sharing.

JJCIII

Yes, the oil caused the layers of the gasket to separate. Waiting at stop lights got to be annoying. So sick of that whistle sound. It got louder over time.

Auger

I will be sure to put this on my list as there is quite some seepage on mine.

JJCIII

Don't wait too long. Oil made it past the gasket and into the intake. There is carbon buildup on the valves. As well as creosote buildup in the intake and head ports. I'm going to pick up some brake clean and some carb cleaner tomorrow so I can clean everything before I put the gaskets on and bolt everything back together. I'm also thinking of picking up some gasket tack too.

dave1123

When I changed my 0331 head, I used a Victor-Reinz multi-layer steel gasket that probably won't separate, but you never know. I also used one of their steel&rubber valve cover gaskets. It's just like the Mopar reusable trans pan gasket. So far, nothing's leaking.

Interestingly enough, when I replaced the head with it's new valves, the engine started using a little oil between changes, more than before. I attribute that to higher cylinder pressures because the valves are sealing better now. The first thing I checked was the rear main seal, but that's dry. After all, it's got 182K miles on it. It's not smoking at all either.

Question; I'm using Valvoline Synthetic 10W-30 oil in it but because of price, I'm thinking of going to their Max-Life semi-syn. What do you think? I've worked for Ashland before and have always used Valvoline oils in all my vehicles, so don't tell me to use Rotella.

JJCIII

Nothing wrong with that. Maxlife is supposed to be good. Plus semi syn will work better on a new or remanned head for the break in process. I've got Mobil 1 in mine mostly for the fact that I can go 6 months between changes. I'm using felpro gaskets on mine.

JJCIII

Just test drove the jeep to burn off anything on the exhaust. I must say it does run better now since I also used a toothbrush on the intake and cleaned the head ports. I actually bought the maxlife semisyn to try it out too. I'm letting it cool down now, then I'm going to clear the computer again and drive cycle it up the the highway. I'm quite confident the monitors will clear with no issues this time.