Re:Cracked Cam Covers

[Lgowin@xxxxxxx]

Henrik,

You didn't describe how your cam covers cracked, but I had a similar problem
on my 71 GTV.  When I was building my engine, the cam cap studs were pulling
out of the head with under 15lbs of pressure.  I took the head to a machine
shop and had helicoils inserted where the studs had been over-torqued.  When I
had the engine assembled and the valves adjusted, I put the cam cover on,
torquing the bolts until tight.  It leaked oil like I was pouring it out from
the cam cover seal.  I retorqued the bolt where it was leaking.  The leak
slowed, and it was then that I noticed the crack in my cam cover.  The machine
shop left the cam cap studs too long and I didn't think to check them.
Luckily I had a spare cam cover.  Inspired by the show "The Operation" on
cable television, I draped a large cloth over the exposed head with a small
hole for the stud.  With a dremel tool I shortened the stud, sealed the oil
leak, and prevented any metal shavings from getting into the engine.  I hope
this helps.

Lawrence Gowin
71 GTV
and expecting another Alfa...

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