Replacing Valve cover gaskets

[Drew4ea]

Seeking knowledge from the faithfuls here...This is Andre's son, Drew. I'm trying to get the boat ready for an upcoming trip to Venice. Over the last couple of weekends, we've changed the oils, the usual filters, and made some additional upgrades. On our first run last weekend (since late last summer), we noticed the valve cover gasket on both engines (6BTAs) were leaking enough oil to decide they need changing. It looks fairly simple to do, 15mm socket, 18 ft-lb torque...Are there any tricks/gremlins I need to watch out for before I get started?

[Rawleigh]

Dumb question, but i have to ask. Did you try retorquing the existing ones? Also, hold the valve cover up against a piece of glass to make sure it is perfectly straight.

[Drew4ea]

I did put a socket on them, but not a touque wrench yet. They seemed pretty tight, although I did get manage to get maybe a 1/4 turn on 2 of the bolts. I'll try the glass once I have the covers off...wouldn't have thought of that. Thanks.

[In Memory of Vicroy]

Drew - its real simple, just take the bolt loose and pull the valve cover off, clean up the mating surface on both the cover and the block, put a new gasket on and tighten 'er up. For those not familiar with Cummins 6Bs, each cylinder has its own valve cover, so there are 6 per engine.

I'll be down there tomorrow about noon until Sunday morning if you need any help.

UV

[Drew4ea]

Thanks Uncle Vic, I'm trying to scoot down there after lunch today to finish everything up. I'll ring if I encounter any obstacles...