Introduction: Fixing a Valvecover Gasket Leak
If you have a leaking gasket it can cost you a lot if you don't fix it.
I'm going to explain how to cheaply fix or replace a valvecover gasket.
Tools needed;
- socket set or wrenches
- finest sandpaper you can get
- flat headed screwdriver
- cleaning cloth (NO PAPER TOWELS)
Part needed;
- NEW gasket
or
- instant gasket (sealant)
I'm going to explain how to cheaply fix or replace a valvecover gasket.
Tools needed;
- socket set or wrenches
- finest sandpaper you can get
- flat headed screwdriver
- cleaning cloth (NO PAPER TOWELS)
Part needed;
- NEW gasket
or
- instant gasket (sealant)
Step 1: Disassembling
Start by unplugging the spark plugs. (The spark plugs themselves you can leave in the engine).
After that you need to disconnect or loosen other parts that are in your way, like in my case there were two hoses connected to the cover.
Now you can start loosening the valvecover bolts (and or nuts). Remember that it's also possible that some bolt are going in sideways.
Before you continue you need to put your bolts somewhere save so you don't lose them. And if you have different sizes bolt (like i had) you need to keep them in the right order.
After everything is disconnected and loosened, you can carefully take of the cover.
MAKE SURE YOU DON'T GET ANY FLUIDS ON THE TIMING BELT!
After that you need to disconnect or loosen other parts that are in your way, like in my case there were two hoses connected to the cover.
Now you can start loosening the valvecover bolts (and or nuts). Remember that it's also possible that some bolt are going in sideways.
Before you continue you need to put your bolts somewhere save so you don't lose them. And if you have different sizes bolt (like i had) you need to keep them in the right order.
After everything is disconnected and loosened, you can carefully take of the cover.
MAKE SURE YOU DON'T GET ANY FLUIDS ON THE TIMING BELT!
Step 2: Cleaning
Now it's time to clean the surface where the head and the cover come together.
You start of with cleaning it by taking any left over pieces of gasket and wiping of the the gasket itself.
If you have a paper gasket you better trow it away cause they are not good enough to reuse. If you have a cork gasket be careful cleaning it, cause they break easily and if it breaks you better trow it away cause it's guaranteed it will start leaking again.
With a rubber gasket it's unlikely to break but you still have to be careful.
If you're going to replace the gasket you can trow the old one away after checking that your new gasket is the right one.
Now you have to gently rub the surface of the head and cover clean with a piece of sandpaper. Make sure nothing falls into the engine.
You start of with cleaning it by taking any left over pieces of gasket and wiping of the the gasket itself.
If you have a paper gasket you better trow it away cause they are not good enough to reuse. If you have a cork gasket be careful cleaning it, cause they break easily and if it breaks you better trow it away cause it's guaranteed it will start leaking again.
With a rubber gasket it's unlikely to break but you still have to be careful.
If you're going to replace the gasket you can trow the old one away after checking that your new gasket is the right one.
Now you have to gently rub the surface of the head and cover clean with a piece of sandpaper. Make sure nothing falls into the engine.
Step 3: Reassembling
Reusing old gasket;
Take the valvecover and apply a thin line of ''instant gasket'' on the sealing surface.
Put your gasket on the cover (most gaskets fit one way only).
Then you put a thin line of ''instant gasket'' on the gasket.
If you had a paper gasket you only have to apply a thin line of ''instant gasket''.
Now you can put your valvecover back on the head and start fastening everything and putting everything back the way it's supposed to.
Using new gasket;
Wipe a drip of fresh motor oil along the touching surface of the gasket and place it on the valvecover. Then you can put the valvecover back on the head. Now start fastening everything and put everything back the way it's supposed to.
NOTE: When fastening the bolts of the valvecover i recommend you use a torque wrench. I CAN NOT be held responsible for any damage created by using the wrong materials and/or tools.
If there is some sealant squeezing out, don't worry it means it's going to seal very well.
Take the valvecover and apply a thin line of ''instant gasket'' on the sealing surface.
Put your gasket on the cover (most gaskets fit one way only).
Then you put a thin line of ''instant gasket'' on the gasket.
If you had a paper gasket you only have to apply a thin line of ''instant gasket''.
Now you can put your valvecover back on the head and start fastening everything and putting everything back the way it's supposed to.
Using new gasket;
Wipe a drip of fresh motor oil along the touching surface of the gasket and place it on the valvecover. Then you can put the valvecover back on the head. Now start fastening everything and put everything back the way it's supposed to.
NOTE: When fastening the bolts of the valvecover i recommend you use a torque wrench. I CAN NOT be held responsible for any damage created by using the wrong materials and/or tools.
If there is some sealant squeezing out, don't worry it means it's going to seal very well.
Step 4: Finishing
The only thing left to do is making sure everything is put back the it's supposed to.
Let the sealant dry for at least 6 hours (or see instructions on sealant) before driving.
Wait for at least 12 hours (or see instructions on sealant) before removing oil from the outside of the engine with cleaning fluids.
As you probably noticed there's something wrong inside my engine.
He is slowly seizing up. The headgasket also needs to be replaced. Cause i noticed some engine cheese (sludge) inside the coolant reservoir.
Let the sealant dry for at least 6 hours (or see instructions on sealant) before driving.
Wait for at least 12 hours (or see instructions on sealant) before removing oil from the outside of the engine with cleaning fluids.
As you probably noticed there's something wrong inside my engine.
He is slowly seizing up. The headgasket also needs to be replaced. Cause i noticed some engine cheese (sludge) inside the coolant reservoir.