Date:         Mon, 28 Mar 2005 21:09:51 -0800
Reply-To:     Leo Lee <leo0365@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Leo Lee <leo0365@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Valve cover oil driver side
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hello everyone,

It has been a great experience replacing the cylinder heads of my 91
multivan Westy. Because of the coolant leaks and air bubbles in the
expansion tank, I replace two new AMC heads, all the lifters, some water
hoses, thermostat and other things. Encountered many problems over the
period of over a month. I finally added the oil, pour in the coolant and
started the engine. The engine sound just like what I expected, loud
tapping noise. I took it around town driving about 5-6 miles, the tapping
noise reduced by still one or two lifter still tapping loud. I took her
to the highway and drove about another 5 miles at 55-60 mph. The
tapping noise still there. I figure one or two of the lifter probably still
not fully pump up yet. I drove the van back to the garage and waited it
to cool down, open the valve covers and try to readjust the valve
clearance. The passenger side of the cover only have a few drops of oil
dripping out when I remove the cover, but oil start pouring out as soon as
I opened the valve cover on the driver side. I collected over half a pint of oil coming out of the valve cover.

The question is is this normal or is that a problem somewhere causing
it to accumulate more oil under the valve cover?
I found one spongy valve on cylinder 2 which probably explain the
continue tapping noise. All other valves are nice and tight.
Any suggestion on why so much oil under one side of the valve cover
will be greatly appreciated.

Leo, 1991 multivan, 112,000