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Have you ever needed to change your valve cover gasket? Luckily, there is a simple guide that will assist you in doing so.
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Steps
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Pull all wires and vacuum hoses away from the valve cover top. [1] X Research source
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Make sure to remember where all of the hoses and vacuum hoses were connected. Some people like to snap a picture before they disconnect the wires and hoses.Advertisement
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Unbolt the bolts that hold the valve cover down with a 1 ⁄ 4 inch (0.6 cm) drive ratchet. [2] X Research source
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Lift the valve cover carefully to contain debris from falling into valves and springs. [3] X Research source
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Pull off old gasket and clean the valve cover in degreaser or hot soapy water. [4] X Research source
- You could use a wire brush and a 5 gallon (18.9 L) bucket.
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Use a dab and a permatex every 6 inches (15.2 cm) on the valve cover groove. [5] X Research source Gently seat the new gasket in its groove and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
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Gently move the valve cover back in position. Tighten the bolts that hold the valve cover down to the torque specification [6] X Research source .
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Reconnect all the hoses and wires that were disconnected.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionShould the oil be removed when replacing a valve cover gasket?Community AnswerAs 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.
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QuestionHow long do I have to wait after I change the gaskets?Community AnswerIf 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).
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QuestionHow do I change the valve cover gasket on my 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan?Community AnswerI suggest you hire a mechanic, but you could also go to Autozone to ask for help or use a manual.
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Tips
- If these steps don't work, are too difficult, or take up too much time, you could have a professional change your valve cover gasket for you.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeH4h0aEmsI
- ↑ https://autofella.com/how-to-clean-valve-cover-eliminate-oil-leaks/#tab-con-1
- ↑ https://mobiloil.com/en/article/car-maintenance/car-maintenance-archive/how-to-replace-a-valve-cover-gasket
- ↑ https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/car-projects/save-oil-by-replacing-a-leaking-valve-cover-gasket
- ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/how-to-fix-a-leaky-valve-cover-gasket/
- ↑ https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-valve-cover-gasket
About This Article
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Reader Success Stories
- "Some of the easiest instructions to follow. It made the job go much easier and painless. Thanks!"
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"Some of the easiest instructions to follow. It made the job go much easier and painless. Thanks!"
"This article simplified each step, and gave caution to unexpected details that could accrue. "
