New VANOS seals but still leaking

[Marceltj4.6is]

Anyone have the problem where you just replaced the VANOS seals but after several hundred miles you still see that it's leaking down the head? Is this just common for V8s? 2002 4.6is.

[Weasel]

The upper timing cover gaskets are a common leak point with higher mileage V8s. I need to change mine soon too as they are starting to leak oil down the front.

[01X54.4]

Would this timing chain cover gasket replacement very labor-intensive -> very expensive to fix for a mechanic? I was quoted $2000 to do it.

Thanks for your kind response.

[Weasel]

It involves removing the valve covers and secondary air pipe etc. but I think $2000 is probably double of what it costs for the upper timing covers. That price would be for upper and lower timing cover gaskets which is pretty much removing the whole front of the engine.

[Marceltj4.6is]

Originally Posted by Weasel

The upper timing cover gaskets are a common leak point with higher mileage V8s. I need to change mine soon too as they are starting to leak oil down the front.

Probably should have said I replaced the timing cover gaskets as well as valve cover gaskets along with the VANOS ones. The leak is just below the lower bolt of the VANOS on both sides. Tried to tighten but no luck there.

I also did the oil seperator just in case.

[Weasel]

Ok, so all the gaskets are good and not leaking except for the vanos solenoid area... Maybe remove the football shaped gasket, clean everything off and reinstall in with a thin smear of hylomar on the gasket surfaces and on the bolt threads as a thread sealer. That should take care of it. (you can get hylomar from autozone etc.)