I've got a few clues about the noise. It is quieter than before, but still too loud. Anyway, I took off the access plates, painted them, tried cork gaskets that broke and had an opening of about 1/8" of an inch or so. Not good. I decided to use Permatex Copper tube goop to form gaskets, but I don't think it is completely sealed. Trying to decide if oil on the engine is from adjusting the valves hot and running, or from my external oil line, or from access plates. My plan is to clean it, drive it and check it. I picked up some Right Stuff, so will just redo the access plates. I also have a replacement gasket for the valve cover. I'll pop that on and see if it quiets down a bit. I think I'll sneak out between conference calls and replace it. Finally - my son noticed fumes when commuting in the car. We didn't have that issue when driving along back roads at 35-45MPH, but it is noticable in stop and go, bumper to bumper traffic. We need to check that the exhaust manifold is seating correctly, and double check the donut that goes between the exhuast manifold and the exhaust pipe - in case we have an exhaust leak. Think we'll take a length of hose and listen. Speaking of exhaust leaks - the gasket where the steering column goes through the firewall is pretty much gone. We can see the engine compartment through it. Can that be fixed with goop in a can, or do I need to pick up a new gasket? Any recommendations on goop in a can? Right now we drive with the windows open - we might want to shut them come January. _______________________________________________ Amc-list mailing list Amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx http://splatter.wps.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/amc-list