Q&A for How to Change Valve Cover Gaskets

As long as you let the vehicle sit without running for a hour or s,o all the oil should be at the bottom of the engine or in the pan. However, it's never a bad idea to change the oil after you do this just in case any debris fell into the engine while the work was being done.

If you only changed a rubber gasket, then you don't need to wait at all. Just don't fly off. If you're using liquid gaskets alone or with rubber gaskets, it should say on the tube. Usually it can takes up to 15 hours for a liquid gasket to turn into rubber (so you can try running the engine after this time), but it may take up to 3 or 4 days to achieve a full seal. It also depends on the ambient temperature and how thick you make the paste (it'll take less time when it's hot outside, and thicker paste will take longer to fully cure).

I suggest you hire a mechanic, but you could also go to Autozone to ask for help or use a manual.

Get a torque wrench, 10mm deep socket (standard size) and the replacement gasket. Clear all the cables and ignition coils you can out of the way, then undo the valve cover bolt going in a criss-cross pattern, working from the outside to the inside. Once you have all the bolts out, shake it gently and the valve cover should lift up. Once it's out, clear the mating surfaces properly or you might get an oil leak in the future. Next place to gasket into the gap (or onto the valve cover surface if you're using a liquid gasket). Carefully put it straight down onto the engine. Do up the bolts in the opposite way from the center out. Torque to around 10Nm (see specs) or go by feel, but do not over-tighten.

Anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on how damaged it is.

Noticeable power loss when going up hills, valve knocking when you floor it, and smoke from oil.

A few hours. Be sure to cover the valve while you are cleaning the cover so nothing drops in.

Piston blow by, worn out rings and/or valve guide problems. Do a compression test and see if you have any low cylinders first.