Valve Cover Gasket

[LoneRangers15]

I think my valve cover gasket is leaking. I see oil below it, but I'm not losing any oil(dipstick has same reading after three months). Would it hurt anything if I wait to replace it? How difficult is it to replace it?

[Kaisar]

These really are not too hard to replace, but if you choose to wait, the problem as I see it is just that it creates a mess, and if it begins to leak a lot, then you will begin to smell the oil as it burns on hot engine parts.

You might just try tightening the valve cover bolts before you get too deep into this. Afterwards, spray some engine degreaser on and take her up to the car wash. Then you can watch to see if there are still some leaks as driving time goes by.

I replaced mine twice, as the first time was apparently not done well. The most difficult part for me was removing the EGR valve (the round silver device between the valve cover and the throttle body). The EGR is bolted down, and the bolts are not really east to get to with average tools. I was able to get it with end wrenches, but there is not much room there, and it just took me some time. Once that was off, the valve cover came off pretty easy. Seems like I had to disconnect a small coolant line, but did not drain. I think I just plugged it for a minute.

If you go through with it, I would agree with p8ntman442 who said "The valve cover gaskets are not a problem if you get a steel core rubber one, and torque it down right".

Since my second attempt has not leaked yet, I am thinking I probably did not re-torque the bolts properly (too loose) on the first time, so get them tight. It shouldn’t take more than a couple hours if you have all the parts at hand. Also, don't forget the EGR gasket. Mine was fine, but I noticed others have said to replace that little sucker when you do this work. When I did it, it was a good time for new plugs and plug wires. Just something to consider.

Let us know how it goes!

[p8ntman442]

the only thing you have to disconnect is the air intake, the egr (two bolts hard to get at,but use a wrench and some wd40, and the pcv valve in the top of the valve cover. its a simple task and wont take more than an hour. just get a good gasket and id suggest getting a gasket for the egr and cleaning it real good with some wd40, just be carefull with it. if you can vaccume test the egr if it dosent hold a vaccume toss it and replace it. make sure to torque it properly and in the right sequence, or youll be doing it again,trust me. get the oil out of the plug holes, and clean the engine, the oil will get into coil packs and cause big problems.