How To Replace Your Car’s Valve Cover Gasket
While you’re driving, the moving parts of your engine are opening, closing, and shaking in a well-orchestrated symphony of activity. In order for everything to work properly, oil is needed in order to provide lubrication. Given the frenetic activity of your engine’s parts, it’s no surprise that oil is liberally splashed about.
You should be checking your oil level periodically to ensure that your engine has enough to properly lubricate the parts. If you notice that the level is consistently lower than it should be, you may have a leak. One of the areas that can develop leaks is the valve cover gasket (VCG).
A valve cover is bolted to the top of your engine (the cylinder head, specifically). The cover prevents oil from splashing over every component under your hood during operation. The VCG sits between the cover and your engine, and creates a seal. In effect, it keeps oil from escaping.
Over time, the gasket can dry out and develop cracks. If that happens, it will slowly lose its ability to provide a seal, allowing oil to leak. Fortunately, replacing the VCG is a simple process.
Step By Step Instructions
Before taking the valve cover off the gasket, first try to tighten it down. Occasionally, the bolts can become loose after thousands of miles. You might discover the leak can be resolved simply by tightening the cover.
Assuming the leak is still a problem after tightening the bolts, remove the valve cover. Every vehicle is a little different; the cover in your car may be surrounded by PCV hoses and cables, which you’ll likely need to disconnect.
Next, loosen and remove the bolts holding the cover in place on the cylinder head. Take the cover off while being careful not to let anything fall into the engine.
Your cover may be fitted with a groove that holds the valve cover gasket in place. Remove the VCG and look for residue along the perimeter of the cover. If any exists, scrape it off. Otherwise, it may play havoc with the seal of the new VCG.
The last step is to install the replacement valve cover gasket and bolt the valve cover back onto your car’s engine. Tighten the bolts, reconnect any of the hoses and cables that you had previously detached, and start your engine. The VCG should maintain a tight seal.
Replenish The Oil Until The Leak Is Repaired
If you’re unable to replace the valve cover gasket immediately, make sure that you keep the oil level in your car replenished. Too often, drivers neglect to keep the level up when their engine is leaking oil. If your engine lacks sufficient oil during operation, it can overheat due to excess friction. That will often cause expensive damage (a shame given that the gasket costs less than $20).
An experienced mechanic will probably be able to replace a VCG in less than an hour. If you intend to do the job yourself, set aside a few hours to make certain the gasket is installed properly.
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