Scruffboy has success (finally)!

[scruffboy]

Well I did it. I fixed my coolant leak. It seamed to be coming from where the water pump face plate or whatever the heck you would call it bolted to the block or the back end of pump. I saw moisture seeping from that area. I bought a small 1/4" rachet, some extensions, flex knuckle and got to work tightening them down. I couldn't believe how loose they were. It has been three weeks now and no coolant loss. Could it have been this easy. I check every day, and where I saw the leaking before is bone dry. Well, being successful in that endeavor got me feeling cocky so I thought I would tackle my valve cover gaskets which are worn. Autozone had a set in stock, but when I looked at them they were round rubber tubing. It's been a while since I've done this sort of stuff but I remember using flat cork with "Indian Cement". Also, I saw no center gasket for the "plug valley". If I do this by myself (which I think I can) can someone give me some tips. Will I have to drain oil? (don't think so). What do I use to seal the gaskets? Silicone? After looking at the set-up I kinda see where these rubber things would slip in. I guess I'm just old. Also the center looks worn out as hell, and I thought there was a gasket for that, but it was not in kit. Is this a separate item? Well, thanks to everyone who helped me before, especially with the diagrams, now I need a little more help please.

Sincerely,

James in NJ

[mrnickleye]

The center gasket is seperate. Its available thru the dealer for about $35. It is for keeping debri out of the spark plug holes. You could save $$ by cleaning the old one up with a wire wheel.

The VC gaskets are rubber that fit into a groove on the VC cover.

Use silicone gasket sealer at the corners, and at the cam caps in the front.