so I have a crack at the top of my valve cover where the oil cap is. the local ford dealership claims its not covered under warranty because it appears the cap was overtightened which caused the cover to crack.

should i allow the dealership to replace the valve cover or take it somewhere else? ive been told the dealership overcharges for everything. btw Im in central florida, melbourne, about 45 minutes from orlando so if you can suggest a specific place that would be greatly appreciated.

 

How can a plastic oil cap crack a medal valve cover? Something does not sound right. Have you tried anther Ford dealership?Also with you are going to replace the cover, would you think to replace both with nicer covers? Like crome. Taco Bill has a writeup on valve cover replacement. It is skicky to the top of this forum, Taco Bill writeups or something like that. Check it out and maybe you can do it yourself. His write ups are really detailed with pics.He even has one on changing the oil. Great write ups on how dos for our cars.

 

Doesn't the oil cap tighten like a gas cap where it only gets so tight then clicks. If so it woul be impossible to overtighten unless the cap was defective. I would call another dealer or Ford directly.

 

+1 on trying another dealer. How the heck can you crack the metal valve/cam cover tightening the plastic cap. Are you sure it's the metal part or is it the plastic piece that the oil cap screws into? They'll think of any excuse not to uphold a wrranty issue.

 

its the plastic that the cap screws into.

 

Not even close. Good guess though. It goes on and turns 180* until tight. You change your own oil?[X(]

 

http://s59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...rent=crack.jpg

this is what i got goin on. any suggestions and how dangerous is it to drive like this until i can get it fixed?

[IMG]local://upfiles/71034/9552F0B0972741348801EAD747DC86CF.jpg[/IMG]

 

I wouldn't. A little money now can save a bunch in the future.

 

I'd think you'd end up with a mess in the engine compartment. Oil everywhere. If you go long enough I suppose you could run low on oil and damage the engine. If nothing else duct tape it over until it gets fixed.

 

You don't need a whole new valve cover. All you need is that plastic neck that sticks out of the valve cover. It's pretty easy to replace. I had to switch it when I got my new covers.