Do you need to remove the valve cover?
1. Remove the bolts at each end of the A/C line that runs over the valve cover. Contrary to what Haynes says, the line DOES NOT need to be removed and the A/C system drained to remove the valve cover.
How to fix a valve cover gasket leak?
That said, let’s quickly look at the valve cover gasket quick-fix method. A clean rag. New gasket. Park your car on a level, hard ground, and engage your hand brakes. Step 2: Allow the engine to cool. Open the hood and wait for the engine to cool so it won’t burn your hand. Step 3: Unplug/disconnect the connection.
What is the valve cover gasket made out of?
What is valve cover gasket? Valve cover gasket is one of the most important gaskets in the engine that prevents your valve cover from oil leaks. It is placed in between your valve cover and the cylinder heads. Valve covers are made of rubbers or plastics.
Can a valve cover cause a spark plug leak?
Yes. In some car models and makes, the valve cover serves as a seal that prevents oil from getting into the spark plug tubes. Most of these gaskets are designed in the form of O-rings. So, when your gasket shrinks due to the high temperature in the engine, it allows oil to seep inside the spark plug tubes.
Why do I need to fix my valve cover gasket?
Even though they can be slower leaks, fixing a valve cover gasket leak quickly is important for a few reasons. First, the oil can leak onto the exhaust manifold causing fumes and the possibility of a fire. Also, a slow leak can still deplete your engine oil quickly, causing premature wear or even catastrophic damage to your engine.
What should I do if my valve cover falls out?
When replacing both, make sure to use a torque wrench to torque the bolts to the factory recommended setting. If you tighten them too much, you can risk breaking the valve cover, and if too loose, they can fall out again or cause a leak. If the valve cover is cracked or broken, get a replacement valve from the dealer, a junkyard, or even try eBay.
How many valve covers does a V6 engine have?
Your car may have 1 or 2 valve covers depending on its configuration. A straight 4 or 6 cylinder engine will have 1 valve cover, while “V” configured engines like a V6 or V8 will have 2 valve covers, one on each side.
Why are the valve covers stuck on my 66 TBIRD?
The valve covers on the 390 in my old 66 TBird are looking pretty shabby so I thought I’d remove and paint them. I’ve found that the covers were installed with gasket goop on both the cover and block sides of the gaskets. They are really stuck tight.