[rivermc197]

Hi Guys,

New to the forum, lots of good info! Anyway, I have a 2001 John Deere 445 with 892 hours. It's been a great machine, and it continues to surprise me with its capabilities.

I bought it used, so I went through and did some small fix-ups over the last year. The valve cover was leaking oil, so I replaced the rubber O-ring. It is still leaking and I can't figure out why. What are the torque specs for this? Any other suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Cementhead]

Sometimes the valve covers get warped and need to be replaced they went to metal valve covers on the newer Kawasaki engines. The other alternative is the new gaskets Deere sells are made of the same material as the head gaskets a flat gasket versus the o-ring style. I used this style on my 345 when the originals went bad and they work ok. My 425 still has the old style o-ring type.

 

[rivermc197]

Sometimes the valve covers get warped and need to be replaced they went to metal valve covers on the newer Kawasaki engines. The other alternative is the new gaskets Deere sells are made of the same material as the head gaskets a flat gasket versus the o-ring style. I used this style on my 345 when the originals went bad and they work ok. My 425 still has the old style o-ring type.

If I use the newer gaskets, can I use my original valve covers? Do I still keep the o-ring in the little groove if I use the new gaskets?

 

[Cementhead]

Yes the new gasket can be used with the original valve covers and no discard the o-ring when using the new type.

 

[rivermc197]

Yes the new gasket can be used with the original valve covers and no discard the o-ring when using the new type.

Thanks!

 

[Tony bachler]

I Replace mine About once every 4 years. I have 3 425s and it seems the Manifold gets the cover hot enough to harden the gasket . and it will seep; I also use the High temp permatex, Sealer on the little grove before i put the Rubber ring in. It works for me.