Persistant Cam cover leak

[suburban99]

Hey all, got a question about cam cover sealant. I have removed my cam covers 3 times and have a persistant leak on the passenger side. I cleaned the surfaces well and used Loctite 5900. Torqued according to the manual and it was good for a few months.

Car is stored now due to weather and i would like to get this resolved. This time I am doing it with the engine in the car, but i have removed both blowers from the passenger side to allow more room. Is there a different (better?) sealant that I should be using? Any tips to make it successful? Thanks

[logray]

Hi you can use drei bond which I've heard is the best. Porsche P/N 00004320373.

I've used Napa copper permatex 5920, it works really well, no leaks.

Another more probable explanation though assuming you followed the correct bead application pattern & size, torque, and tightening sequence is that you didn't use new micro-encapsualated cam cover bolts. The new bolts come with a small amount of sealant on the base of the head, which helps further to prevents leaks.

If you don't want to buy new bolts you can clean the ones you have and apply fresh sealant to the base of each bolt head before you fasten them. You'll need to work fast though, since it sets quickly. Helps to have two people or a way to dispense the stuff quickly.

[suburban99]

Do these little "frost plugs" (for lack of a better term) in cam cover ever leak? After dis-assembly it looks like this one is leaking. Are they available as a part?

[logray]

Can they leak? Sure... frost plug P/N 90003602302 for about $1.00

Or take them to your local machine shop and have it done right... they probably have a plug that will fit or can press it in for you.

They can either replace with a new plug or even tap the hole and put in a threaded plug.

[suburban99]

Removed the frost plug, Obviously it has been leaking. Replaced it with an 18mm frost plug from Napa.

Resealed cover with Napa copper permatex. It seems to be considerably thicker than the Loctite 5900.

This time I removed both blowers from the passenger side and dropped the engine a bit. Made it easier to get the cover back on.

Just waiting on parts from Auto Atlanta...o ring's and spark plug tubes. Next time will use Sunset...much faster shipping and cheaper.

[logray]

Great work, yes the Napa copper Permatex 5920 is great stuff.