Replacing the valve cover gasket - how to do it and how much will you have to pay?

The camshaft that controls the valves moves in an oil film. To keep the engine compartment clean and oil not lost, a valve cover oil seal is used. Usually the main component of this is the gasket itself, the assembly of which is carried out efficiently and quickly. Replacing the valve cover gasket is not expensive, although there are exceptions. Check out what costs await you and learn how to replace the seal step by step. We suggest what to do!

Valve cover gasket replacement - price

How much does it cost to replace a valve cover gasket? The cost should not exceed 5 euros per work. Added to this is the cost of parts, but in the case of many small engines, it will not be high. You will pay 15-2 euros for them, with the exception of larger units (for example, 6-cylinders), where you need to use two gaskets. Sometimes they even cost 100-15 euros. In some situations, the replacement of the valve cover gasket is carried out on the occasion of an overhaul, for example, the replacement of the cylinder head gasket. However, if you notice that the engine is sweating from under the "keyboard", you can opt for self-adhesive.

Valve cover gasket replacement step by step

How to replace the valve cover gasket? This operation is simple, but requires care. The main reason is the small width of the seal itself and its considerable length. And this can make it difficult to get a smooth surface. The result is an oil leak. In addition, when removing the cover and the gasket itself, a lot of dust, dust and dirt from the engine compartment can get into the upper part of the cylinder head. washing or at least a good cleaning of sensitive contact areas definitely does not hurt.

Preparation of the workplace - necessary accessories

Replacing the gasket under the valve cover is not possible without a few accessories. It's about:

• sealing kit;
• motor silicone for high temperatures;
• a supply of cleaning wipes;
• ratchet and socket wrench (size depends on car model);
• flathead screwdriver and screwdriver;
• liquid preparation for cleaning - it can be extraction gasoline;
• additional torque wrench.

Valve cover gasket replacement. Step one - unscrewing the coating elements

If you are replacing the gasket under the valve cover, you may first need to dismantle the elements that close the valve cover itself. This may be an element going from the pneumothorax separator to the suction system, a pipe from a turbocharger, or an element of the electrical installation of the unit. You will need to dismantle all of this before you start unscrewing the bolts holding the valve cover. Therefore, calmly get rid of all components that prevent you from freely pulling off the cover.

Valve cover gasket replacement. Step two - unscrewing the lid itself

In the next step, locate the nuts securing the cover. This is different for different engine models. Some of them have only 3 nuts, located along the axis of the motor in the middle and on each extreme side. In others, there are 6, 8 or even 10, located around the entire lid. Replacing the valve cover gasket requires removing all of these nuts. The order of unscrewing is not of great importance during operation.

Valve cover gasket replacement. Step Three - Removing the Cover and Cleaning the Surface

When everything that can be unscrewed is already on the tool table, all that remains is to lift the cover. This can be more difficult than you think if the predecessor applied countless layers of silicone "just to be sure". Then there is nothing left but to carefully pry off the cover with a flat screwdriver. This must be done carefully so as not to damage any element and at the same time lift the cover. After you lift it up and tear off the gasket, you need to very carefully clean all the contact elements on the head and valve cover. The cylinder head parts must have a metallic sheen and the valve cover must not be dirty.

Valve cover gasket replacement. Step Four - Applying a new gasket

At the locations of the camshaft with its fasteners, the gasket under the valves has a special stamping. They usually have a semicircular shape. They need to apply an additional layer of silicone. In such places it is difficult to obtain optimal pressure, so try adding sealant in sensitive areas. Now put the gasket on the guide points. Replacing the valve cover gasket does not end with its correct installation.

Valve cover gasket replacement. Step XNUMX - Tighten the valve cover

Why is oil flowing from the engine in the area of ​​​​the replaced element? There are two reasons - gasket wear and improper installation. So you will have to make an effort to tighten the cap. If the nuts are on all sides, start in the center and then move in a criss-cross pattern. Make two turns of the key and go to the next location. When you feel resistance, tighten a half turn (180 degrees) and leave. Never start from the extreme sides, because the lid can be twisted and the gasket will not do its job.

Valve cover gasket replacement. Step six - setting up the rest of the elements

It's time for the final step of replacing the valve cover gasket. Once the cover is in place, you can start assembling the pieces you unscrewed to get to it. It is worth checking the tightness of the rubber hoses and their connections. You will be sure that they are in good condition. Valve cover gasket replacement went well, bravo!

Replacing the valve cover gasket - what to look for?

One of the most important rules in mechanics is cleanliness when disassembling and assembling parts. Dirt under the "keyboard" can lead to wear of the camshafts and other elements. Therefore, it is best to clean everything around, if necessary, of course. In the next step, be sure to replace the valve cover gasket by properly tightening the bolts. Without this, there can be no question of maintaining tightness. And one more important point - before you put the gasket on the head, clean its contact surface. And don't overdo the silicone because the gasket won't do the job.

Should I change the valve cover gasket myself? It is worth choosing it if you notice oil leakage on the cylinder block. This will improve the aesthetics of the chamber itself and the drive unit, stop oil loss and eliminate the risk of hot oil evaporating and inhaling while driving. And replacing it in your home garage will save you even more than 10 euros if you have two heads in your car.