After Market Valve Covers

[Javelin Man]

No leaks from the valve cover!  I'm still finding a couple drops, but my guess is the rear main oil seal is next to be fixed. 

Thanks to this forum, I was able to replace the valve cover properly.  If I hadn't found this treasure of information, I would probably had tried to replace just the gasket and been very frustrated with the results.  Your experience told me to get the aluminum replacement which was the right thing to do.

I bought some items from the East Nest Store to show my appreciation.

[IowaEagle]

Your purchase is much appreciated and should be winging its way to you today.

[Screamin'Eagle]

Maybe this isn't the correct place to ask this but did any of the early YJ Wranglers that had the 4.2 from the factory have a aluminum valve cover and would it work on our cars with the drill and tap method?

[Jurjen]

I think that all AMC 258 engines between 81 and 86 came with the plastic cover.

http://www.quadratec.com/products/51104_04_07.htm

[IowaEagle]

Yes, AMC used the same stuff in their cars and Jeeps.

[Screamin'Eagle]

But did the early YJ's have a aluminum one?

I know they made a running change with the 1988 eagles and wondered if the same happend with the early yjs with the 4.2

[IowaEagle]

The running change was made in '87 and yes for Jeeps at the same time.

[Budwisr]

 I have always thought that the aluminum valve cover would only fit the 87 and newer 258s. I do know that the aluminum cover is a great improvment over the plastic one. I have a 87 Jeep Wrangler I bought new in March 87 and the original valve cover gasket is still doing it's job. Not a drop of oil after almost 23 years. Compared to a 81 Eagle I bought in 84 and I had to reseal the valve cover at the time I purchased it. (and again and again every year or so)

[Jurjen]

From 87 and on it is Original Equipment. For the AMC 258 from 81-86 it is a replacement for the factory plastic ones.

[JayRamb]

From 87 and on it is Original Equipment. For the AMC 258 from 81-86 it is a replacement for the factory plastic ones.

Actually, not all 1987 models had the Alum. Valve Covers.  The later 1987 models then used the Alum. Valve Covers.  My 1987 is an Early model, manufactored in Sept. 1986, and has a Plastic Valve Cover. 

[Jurjen]

Some have all the luck

[IowaEagle]

Yes, it was a running change.  My guess is around January, that is when AMC liked to change things.  Just remember the '87 and later cover has a different mounting surface the the plastic cover heads.

[Screamin'Eagle]

so the later 4.2 will not fit on the 81-86 head?

[IowaEagle]

so the later 4.2 will not fit on the 81-86 head?

Correct.  Only the '87 and later heads it was designed for. 

[Screamin'Eagle]

GREAAAAT