Repair 7

How to Check a Valve Gasket

The steps necessary to check a valve cover gasket are in most part the same steps that would be needed for replacing the gasket. Some of the same tools will be necessary. The valve cover gasket is a rubber filter that ensures the valve cover itself seats well, so then the oil being pumped underneath the cover doesnt seep through it. Over time valve cover gaskets age and become weak, which may result in an oil leak around the lip of the valve cover gasket.

Instructions

1

Remove the valve cover by first taking off the hold down bolts securing it. Use caution in removing these bolts, as they can strip easily. Any difficulty turning the bolts should be remedied by spraying rust neutralizer or oil penetrator on the bolt and trying again.

2

Once the bolts are removed, gently pry off the valve cover. It may be necessary to use a flat head screwdriver or putty knife to pry a corner free before it can be lifted off.

3

Inspect the valve cover, both inside and out. Any problem with the gasket or valve cover will be obvious -- youll see an excessive amount of oil in and around the valve cover. A vehicle owner will generally have valid suspicion well in advance of inspecting the valve cover gasket; both a substantial oil leak and gray smoke coming from under the hood would be an indication that the valve cover and gasket need to be replaced.

4

Distinguish between a leak and a seep, if there is oil present around the valve cover. Seeping oil in cars over thirty thousand miles on the odometer is not that unusual and is not cause to replace the gasket. The distinction is in amounts -- most vehicle owners savvy enough to be inspecting the valve cover should know the difference between a leak and a seep. But in general, if theres oil all over the place, its a leak.

5

Replace the valve cover gasket if an oil leak is present.

6

Reinstall the valve cover, making sure to adhere to torque recommendations. Carefully secure the hold down bolts to make firm the valve cover seat.