Help!! I was getting oil down the spark plugs and front of engine so I ordered a new valve cover gasket set and spark plugs. Kind of a pia to get the vc off with all the wiring and hoses. Cleaned the VC and put the new gasket and o rings in with a bit of silicone to help hold them in place.
After putting it all back together I started it up and it didn't sound right, kind of a knocking noise. I double checked all the coils and figured maybe the computer needed to relearn with the new Denso Iridium plugs so I took it around the block.
It seemed to go OK so I pulled it back in and let it run, opened the hood to check and found it would idle ok for about 10 seconds then stumble and stall.
Put the old Beru plugs back in to see it that would help, no change.
For the life on me I can't figure out what is going on? Everything looks right.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

You have a vacuum leak, either from the PCV or the valve cover itself is not sealed. You shouldn't need any RTV except in 2 tiny spots, the gasket will do the rest.

I would start with making sure the PCV is plugged into the valve cover, and if so then move on to redoing the valve cover gasket job. Torque on those bolts is about 8 ft lbs.

Nick
Detroit Tuned

 

Nick, you were correct. I took it back apart and cleaned it up. I did use silicone on the cover side because the new gasket was a little loose in the groove and I wanted to make sure it didn't slip when I flipped it over to install.
Runs great again and no oily smell.


Thanks

 

No problem, glad it was an easy fix.