Cam box top gaskets

[njoconnor]

While getting Blue 72 "put to bed", I noticed that there was more oil leaking into the spark plug wells, apparently from the exhaust side cam box gasket. When I first bought the car, there was a trace amount of oil there, and I dismissed it because my old 71 Coupe did the same thing 40 years ago. However, as we've driven the 72 more and more, I believe the leak is growing. I've also noticed that the gasket between the cam cover and the cam box (above the plug wells) is sticking out approx. 1/8 inch along the inside edge of the cover, suggesting a misaligned install or a fabricated gasket. The engine was rebuilt in 2011 by a rural WI engine builder (not a Fiat shop). I'm wondering if replacing the gaskets on both cam boxes is pretty straightforward, and if there are any suggestions of do's, don'ts, and watch out's.

Feels odd to go into the garage and not see the Fiat, patiently waiting for "the next part" to be affixed. I'm taking advantage of the empty stall to thoroughly clean out 20 years of collected pieces, parts, and substances from the various members of the fleet, while re-organizing all of the tools and supplies to be a tad more accessible (meaning: nothing falls down when I grab something else).

Thanks

Neil

[baltobernie]

Mine protrude about the same amount. As you've noticed, these are rubber, not cork. They are designed to be re-used; otherwise, you'd need new ones with each valve adjustment. Problem is, many uninitiated torque the heck out of the covers when re-assembling. The covers can become warped, or more likely, the gasket gets destroyed.

First determine if the leak is cover-to-box, or box-to-head. If the former, get new gaskets, lay the covers on a flat surface to check for warp. Re-assemble, and just tighten the knurled nuts snug. There's only splash up there, not pressure.

[njoconnor]

Thanks, Bernie. Got a small list of "next parts" started, and two each cam box gaskets just got added.

Neil

[Welder]

Hi Neil
I know there is only supposed do be splash up in the covers, but for some reason I have a lot of pressure which was causing it to come out the oil fill cap and pool in the spark plug wells. Put on a new cap and all is well.
By the way I finished the front end rebuild ( A arm ,springs , shocks) and could not have done it without your posts. Thanks very much Jim

[carl]

It is very easy to crank down too hard on the cam box cover bolts. Get them just snug enough that they won't come loose. Also check that the gaskets are properly lined up after tightening as they can move around when getting everything in place.

carl

[njoconnor]

Carl, Jim, thanks! The current oil fill cap is quite snug, so I don't believe it's the issue, but I'll check it before ordering the next list of parts (and the gaskets!). Wouldn't be surprised if the tops had been heavily screwed down; I've noticed a few other things on the car done with some extra brio in lieu of a torque wrench....

I'm glad the front end posts helped, Jim. There's a long list of forum members who inspired/contributed/guided that whole process. And, in turn, we all pass it on.

Neil