Cracked valve cover
 

Good evening everyone.

Removed the valve cover off of my 29, only to find cracks around the area where the bolt is threaded into the cover at the oil return location. The problem is that who ever did previous work on it over tightened that bolt and now it has cracks in it. It's not broke out, but I don't really want to put it back together like that. If it were to breakout while on the road, it would pump the oil out.

My question here is, has anyone had to deal with something like this, or if I could I would buy a new one, but I cant seem to find any new ones

Thanks in advance!!

Re: Cracked valve cover
 

Put an ad in the swap meet. There should be plenty of them around. Measure the location of oil return hole, so you get the correct one.

Bert’s in Denver would also have them.

Re: Cracked valve cover
 

Used won't be a problem. Its probably one of the easiest pieces of the engine to find.

Re: Cracked valve cover
 

I have one if you would like it


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Re: Cracked valve cover
 

I have 6 of them but on west coast! Check with your local club! They will be glad to give you one i"m sure!

Re: Cracked valve cover
 

Re: Cracked valve cover
 

There aren't any new ones available. What you're describing is a common problem as people overtighten the oil return pipe and it cracks the spokes.
We do the crack repair on those covers as finding a crack free one is nearly impossible after 92 years.

http://www.jandm-machine.com/crack_repair.html

Re: Cracked valve cover
 

I don't really think a crack free piece is nearly impossible to find. This piece is readily available and easy to find crack free. Like already pointed out, probably the easiest engine piece to find.

Re: Cracked valve cover
 

Because every man and his dog buys a full flow oil filter kit and this part is within the kit?

Re: Cracked valve cover
 

Weld or braze it up, put it back on but don't overtighten it.

Re: Cracked valve cover
 

I have the same issue, could not find another, put it back on but tightened the bolt just to seal, been four years and no problems, not a drop of leakage.
I'm not going to worry about it at this time.

Re: Cracked valve cover
 

I agree I have 6 not cracked in the shop!

Re: Cracked valve cover
 

no wonder others have none... :)

Re: Cracked valve cover
 

Have good ones, but I am out west. Must be the water.

Re: Cracked valve cover
 

Thanks for all the help guys!! At least I know that all hope is not lost!! I do appreciate the help.

Re: Cracked valve cover
 

there are two styles early and late. make sure you order the correct one or you will need a different drain tube.

if you want new you can get a new aluminum one that has a filter adapter on it.

Re: Cracked valve cover
 

if you were totally stuck you could probably make an insert that fits into the cover from the back that will accommodate the attaching bolt.
i am sure you will find one,
i have 3 old style ones here i will send you one free . you pay for the shipping cost. probably $25 to ship???