[Vwdiesel] Bad car week... Miser's here so it's not so bleak...

[Scott Kair]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Shepherd" <mark at shepher.fsnet.co.uk>

>
> Part of your oil problem could be linked to your valve
> cover:
>  Although those 10mm nutted studs are strippable; if your
> getting more than a few per engine then your using too much
> 'garth'.
>  I only ever tighten them using either a small 4 or 5" ring
> spanner or better still a ratchet where I tighten by putting
> my hand over the ratchet part rather than use the excessive
> leverage of the handle.
>

    In addition to what Mark suggested, it would be worth looking at
the valve gasket itself.  For years, I used the $6.99  NAPA cork
specials (they started out at $4.99), but frequently.  The local store
kept them in stock, as they weren't noted for longevity.
    At any rate, when I converted to synthetic oil, the improved flow
found flaws in the gaskets- nothing major, just periodic weeps that
necessitated another short-lived replacement.  Eventually, the counter
guy turned me on to an improved gasket NAPA makes which is reinforced
with steel.  That solved the problem and the improved longevity
justified the extra expense.  I didn't record the part number,
unfortunately.
    HTH,
    Scott Kair