Repair 7

How to Install Valve Cover Gaskets

Valve covers cover the connection between the push rod ends and the rockers of your engine. Valve cover gaskets ensure that the oil coming to the top of the engine to lubricate the rocker arms does not leak from the valve covers. As you use your vehicle, the valve cover gaskets begin to wear. Wearing begins to break down the gasket, allowing oil to leak out of the engine. Fixing leaking valve cover gaskets keeps your engine from seizing from lack of oil.

Instructions

1

Scrape the old valve cover gasket from the gasket flange with a metal putty knife.

2

Apply gasket remover to the remaining gasket material with a small paint brush. Allow the gasket remover to sit on the material for 25 to 45 minutes.

3

Wipe the gasket loosened with the gasket remover from the valve cover flange with a rag. Apply a second coat of gasket remover to the flange to remove any remaining gasket material. Wipe the flange dry with a clean rag.

4

Apply a 1/8- to 3/16-inch thick bead of RTV sealant to the cleaned flange.

5

Press a replacement valve cover gasket into the wet sealant. Allow the sealant to cure for 15 to 20 minutes.

6

Set the valve cover over the engine head to cover the rocker arms. Hand-thread the fasteners over the flange to hold the valve cover in place.

7

Tighten each screw with a matching socket attached to a ratchet handle.

8

Repeat the process on the other side of the engine if it contains a second valve cover.