Got an oil leak around the valve cover from what I can tell.
The oil is running down the back of the block.
I have always seen oil, but just a little wet, now it will
drip and leave a spot in the drive 2" round.
Is there anywhere else that it could come from on the back of the block up high?
What would you do? Got 4k to go for the 36K to get it covered.
Was thinking about washing it good and check back later to see if it was build up or a bad leak.
It is not the oil tube or the oil blowing off that.
Thanks
Jon

 

The valve cover gasket is a known issue for leaks on the '03s. Since it's a reusable gasket I would remove the cover, clean the surfaces really good, install the cover and torque the bolts to the proper specs.
If the gasket is damage it will need to be replaced.

MikeyB

 

Mine has actually developed a leak on the next tier lower than the valve cover... It's coming from between the layer right above the exhaust manifold, toward the rear of the block/head. It's getting worse all the time. Anyone know how to fix that one?

***Edit*** I just looked back at a previous post on this subject, and it was explained therin that the "layers" I'm speaking of are comprised of: valve cover, rocker cover, cylinder head. So, mine is leaking between the cylinder head and the rocker cover. Anyone know how to fix that one? My dealer scares the dickens outta me

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tobyw
[B]Mine has actually developed a leak on the next tier lower than the valve cover... It's coming from between the layer right above the exhaust manifold, toward the rear of the block/head. It's getting worse all the time. Anyone know how to fix that one?

That is where mine is leaking more to the back then the front but it is wet.
Mine never had left anything on the ground before but I was thinking that getting worse all the time. Is there two gaskets that are able to be reused?
How long would it take to replace them or clean it up and put it back together?
Is that a 3year /36K or the 5year/100K thing to Dodge to fix? Its part of the motor.
J

 

Its 100k/5years on the entire engine (only).

fix for the rocker gasket would be the same as the valve cover gasket.

Could also be leaking from the rear main seal or camshaft o-ring seal.
Reach around behind the cylinder head. If you have oil on your hand, its one of the gaskets. If it is dry, its the main seal or camshaft seal.

 

I was looking under there prenty good last night, and I could actually see what looked like a freeze plug right above the top/center of the bellhousing. It was dry, so I think that's a good sign? What I mean is, I think mine specifically is just the head/rocker gasket. So what's involved with taking that rocker cover off? Is it just a shroud around the valvetrain, or are there any mechanical parts attached to it? I can't imagine why they would, in effect, have a two-piece valve cover??? Any shots out of an FSM or anything to really clear this up?

 

Got a peek at an FSM last night. It is indeed basically a two-piece valve cover... The rocker cover has some injector harness connections and a few other minor attachements, but all indications are that it is simply a verticle shroud around the valvetrain, and the actual valve cover is just that. There is a "reusable" o-ring between the cylinder head and the rocker cover, similar to the one between the rocker cover and the valve cover. The FSM gave a few more warnings about being careful with the one between the cylinder head and the rocker cover, however, so as not to cause leaks. Sounds like mine may have been installed on a Friday afternoon at the ol' Cummins factory Going to call the dealership this morning to get a p/n and price for replacement o-rings for both locations...

 

Let me know what you find.
I was going to take it to the shop and have them do it but I dont like the way they treat the fenders and paint laying a cross them.
I have 4k to go on the 36 k warr.
Let me know what you find for parts and price maybe they will give them to me to do, and charge Warranty for them.
My 96 CTD had fuel line problems at 50K and they made me pay for it. A lot of people think that gaskets, seals, and leaks are covered under the 100k but it is not so. They may fix it and say it is covered but you will pay $100 for it. Drive shaft seal leak "no its not covered" "well wait we can cover it just pay your $100 and other shop add ons"
I have been there before its a big fight and they have more money and time then me.

Jon

 

Just got off the phone with the parts department... He couldn't/wouldn't give me part numbers ( ), but here are the prices:

Cylinder Head to Rocker Cover Gasket: $18.75
Rocker Cover to Valve Cover Gasket: $89.23

No explanation for why two similar sized gaskets have such a drastic price difference, but I guess I feel sorta lucky because for me, it's the cheaper one that needs replace