Valve Cover Gasket Replacement
#11
Folks, this post was from last year. I will update you guys on my Valve cover gasket after one year. It's leaking again.
I think Mistake #1
I used the yellow snot (3M) type Gasket adhesive on the gasket instead of something softer that takes time to shape.
I will have to redo the gasket again but not sure how I am going to remove that yellow stuff from the surface, Bummer!
I think Mistake #1
I used the yellow snot (3M) type Gasket adhesive on the gasket instead of something softer that takes time to shape.
I will have to redo the gasket again but not sure how I am going to remove that yellow stuff from the surface, Bummer!
The only reason to use gasket products on this job is to keep the gasket tacked to the cover while you are manipulating it into place but that's a lost cause. I just put the gasket up there first then maneuver the cover on, but you have to be very careful and constantly check the entire perimeter of that gasket lip-to-cover because it doesn't want to stay put, even when it was good at first torque down. Don't forget the 4 holes in the gasket contain a metal barrel so you must have 4 barrels in your hand before reinstalling new gasket. Those barrels will drop out and **** something up if you don't remember to get them all out of the engine. Have a small automotive magnet handy for sweeping under the rockers. Go to tech videos on roverparts.com for a good tutorial.
Last edited by chubbs878; 04-18-2016 at 10:33 PM.
#14
You got it. I don't know if your truck has SAI (secondary air) or not, but have never been able to break those flex-pipes loose of the cylinder head, which is why I didn't replace driver-side VC last time and it came back to bite me. I ended up cutting the bracket off with a sawzall just past the canister mounting bolts. I don't like opening the cooling system until I get good and ready so I wasn't undoing a heater pipe for a VC gasket. Maybe if I had thought to get the O-ring for it I would have, but you know how it goes. I'm sure that heater outlet pipe O-ring will start leaking next month and I will have to remove the intake plenum all over again. Something for you to put on your agenda in case you want to kill one more bird
#15
#17
I'm doing valve cover gaskets and injector o-rings right now. I have an 03 with SAI and it makes the job a lot tougher. I was able to get the front fittings on the pipes going into the heads off so then you can at least maneuver the pipes away from the valve cover to get them out. Funny you mention the heater pipe coming from the manifold. I just noticed a puddle of coolant right below it pooled up on the manifold. Looks like I will have to remove that pipe and I'm guessing there is an o-ring there. I also removed the alternator and bracket to give a little more room. Man what a mess- all the conduit on the wire harness just crumbles when you move it.
#18
#19
#20
Only 6 bolts hold the upper intake on, and replace the sai bracket studs with bolts.
The hard part is finding gaskets that fit.
Most need at least one or 2 of the holes elongated so they line up with the bolt holes.