Replace valve cover gasket

kkyin · Post by **kkyin** » November 22nd, 2005, 1:33 pm

trying to replace the gasket, wonder if I need to drain to oil and coolant before open things up.

Thanks

Aston Wards · Post by **Aston Wards** » November 22nd, 2005, 1:41 pm

No..., just be careful not to overtighten bolts!

Post by **Custommx3** » November 22nd, 2005, 1:50 pm

And dont forget to use RTV too where the manual calls for it!

Aston Wards · Post by **Aston Wards** » November 22nd, 2005, 11:17 pm

oh...., also try not to drop anything inside...., like say uh..., a broken piece of distributor!

markmclean · Post by **markmclean** » November 25th, 2005, 6:30 pm

well, heres a tip...go ahead and remove the cover, clean both mating surfaces extremely well, being careful not to drop any debris into the oil passages and reinstall the cover....and change the oil AFTER the jobs done. This way, if any pieces of old gasket material, assorted goop etc did happen to fall in while you lifted the cover off, which is a distinct possibility, itll come out when you change the oil.Any time you open up the engine, its a good idea to change the oil afterwards for this reason.

PATDIESEL · Post by **PATDIESEL** » November 26th, 2005, 2:14 am

If you drop something into the valve train it will not drain out (pices of gasket etc.). The passages are too small and in the corners only. Make sure NOT to drop anything in there. That is the only way to be fine. I would change the oil afterward just to get good clean oil on the gaskets for the first bit instead of dirty grimey oil. If you have debris on the cover vaccum it off before you lift the cover to keep it from falling in.

kkyin · Post by **kkyin** » November 26th, 2005, 1:46 pm

will i need to replace the intake manifold gasket too?
since I need to take that off to get to the rear cover.

relisys_3200 · Post by **relisys_3200** » November 26th, 2005, 3:01 pm

kkyin wrote:will i need to replace the intake manifold gasket too?
since I need to take that off to get to the rear cover.

you may not "need" to, but they are less then 30 bucks so there is no point in puting old ones back in while your already there

PATDIESEL · Post by **PATDIESEL** » November 27th, 2005, 12:30 am

Make sure to use a torque wrench to tighten all the bolts down too. Vaccum leaks will be a pain in the A$$ and the wrench is about 50.00 at Sears.

93_mx3_gs · Post by **93_mx3_gs** » November 27th, 2005, 1:41 am

There is one at like Autozone - Checker for like 19.99 it's a manual tension type but does the job ok =)

kkyin · Post by **kkyin** » November 27th, 2005, 4:19 pm

how to detach the throttle cable?
also, there are some small hoses connect near the throttle cable, do I just pull it out?
still a newbie, so I have many simple question to ask.
thanks

JM1EC-V6 · Post by **JM1EC-V6** » November 28th, 2005, 4:45 pm

If you're not able to get out the throttle cable/bracket by yourself, do not attempt doing it by yourself at all !

This is not a ''first thing to do'' when learning mechanics on a car...

JYOUNYA1 · Post by **JYOUNYA1** » February 3rd, 2006, 2:38 pm

I am about to change out my valve Cover gaskets....someone said they can get intake manifold gasket for $30...is that $30 for the set of two or for one...and I have a set of valve cover gaskets for $45, does that sound like a reasonable price? And if anyone has done this what is the time it takes to tackle this job?

~Jay

lakersfan1 · Post by **lakersfan1** » February 3rd, 2006, 3:01 pm

JYOUNYA1 wrote:I am about to change out my valve Cover gaskets....someone said they can get intake manifold gasket for $30...is that $30 for the set of two or for one...and I have a set of valve cover gaskets for $45, does that sound like a reasonable price? And if anyone has done this what is the time it takes to tackle this job?

~Jay

$45 sounds right. The intake manifold gaskets I've bought before for $17 for the set at Autozone.

How long? If it takes you more than 5 hours your first try, I'd be surprised. Make sure YOU DO NOT OVERTORQUE THE VALVE COVER GASKET. This is the most common mistake made. It should only be tightened to about 100 inch pounds, that's about 8 ft pounds. If you overtighten them, the bolt WILL snap off in the head.