Kohler Courage 19 hp , SV590 single cylinder. Dreaded valve cover leak. Does anyone know what the latest fix is for valve cover oil leak ?? Only cork gasket, only silicone sealant, gasket and sealant, etc... I have the latest valve cover kit to install, includes cork gasket, valve cover, lower cover brace for muffler mount which does not fit that model. Directions state to use the gasket and torque bolts... Thanks
Kohler Courage Oil Leak
- Thread starter gfreek
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Roadworthy
Elite Member
Personally I like a very thin coat of blue RTV on the gasket. It peels cleanly off the metal surfaces where cork alone may not. Emphasis here on the very thin.
The only thing that I've found that works is Right Stuff between the gasket and valve cover. If you have a new cover then no need to clean and dry the old one. Apply liberally and let that cure on a flat surface before installing the valve cover. You can stick the gasket to the head too w/ Right Stuff if you wish. Activate and don't squeeze it all the way out. Silicone doesn't seem to hold even w/ an activator.
RandyT
Elite Member
Kohler never came up with a fix that would last on that engine. The cork gasket would shrink or something causing a leak. the RTV sealant would break loose and start leaking. I think the issue is the two piece valve cover. The inner piece can be separated from the outer shell. I think the two pieces vibrate breaking the seal loose.
Tightened top cover flange bolts which were finger lose.. Valve cover : drill and tap 2 holes to 7mm, enlarge the 2 holes in New valve cover, adjusted the valve clearance, I used Right Stuff with the cork gasket, pushed the gasket into the sealant, used screws to line it up, let it set for few minutes, installed it and torque to specs. Let it set overnight, ran it for half hour , no leak as yet. I thought that maybe I'd be able to use the included muffler support bracket to give the lower cover more strength, but the muffler bolts into the cylinder head were in the way.. Returned it to my neighbor, telling him "no guarantee" ..on this Dis-Courage engine.. Thanks all....