what did shop mean by "replace tappet cover?" (2 Viewers)

[Parke]

I took my BJ42 to some cruiser specialists (L1 Automotive in Loveland) to have them diagnose an oil leak(s). Their diagnosis is that the tappet cover is leaking. I was told this is just below the valve cover.

Looking at the engine repair manual, I see no mention of a tappet cover or anything that I can ID as such on the diagram (screenshot attached). Any guesses as to what were they talking about? I'm trying to decide whether to attempt this job myself.

 

[Mark W]

Tappet is another term for "lifter". The part that rides on the camshaft lobe. The pushrod rides in/on the tappet/lifter

The Tappet cover or lifter cover.. or "side cover" is on the *edit* RIGHT hand side of the engine, below and behind the exhaust manifold. Thin, stamped sheet metal plate.

In the F series engines, these are prone to... almost guaranteed to... loosen over time and leak. I have lost track of how many oil leaks I have eliminated simply by tightening the side cover and the oil pan. Dozens and dozens. Amazing loose in many many cases.
I would expect that a Cruiser specialist would be aware of this. But if you do decide to tackle it yourself, do not over look that it *might* be a very simple fix. Of course someone may have already addressed this in the past and it may be leaking even though it is properly tight.

Mark...

 

[DylanH239]

I took my BJ42 to some cruiser specialists (L1 Automotive in Loveland) to have them diagnose an oil leak(s). Their diagnosis is that the tappet cover is leaking. I was told this is just below the valve cover.

Looking at the engine repair manual, I see no mention of a tappet cover or anything that I can ID as such on the diagram (screenshot attached). Any guesses as to what were they talking about? I'm trying to decide whether to attempt this job myself.

View attachment 3554496

Check out the second part of thisTappet cover video I believe it will show you the procedure of how to replace the tappet cover & gasket. I believe it’s under your exhaust manifold if you have a BJ42.

 

[Parke]

Ah that solves it. Thanks Mark and Dylan. I'll try tightening and if that doesn't solve it, definitely looks DIYable. Video very helpful.

 

[DylanH239]

Ah that solves it. Thanks Mark and Dylan. I'll try tightening and if that doesn't solve it, definitely looks DIYable. Video very helpful.

If you end up replacing the gasket here’s a link to tappet cover gasket to where you can get one. Check the bottom of the page for the models the gasket fits. Best of luck if you need anything else just let us know.