Things You'll Need:
- Valve cover gaskets
- Flathead screwdriver
- Ratchet and properly sized socket
- Yellow RTV, preferably 3M brand
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Step 1
Remove the valve cover nuts or T-bolts. Put them in a magnetic pan so you do not lose them. If you have a straight-6, you will have one long valve cover. If you have a V8, you will have two valve covers to deal with.
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Step 2
Look around the valve covers to be sure there are no wires attached to them. Many people use plug wire runners or hangers, and they are usually secured by the valve cover nuts or T-bolts. Remove these and put them in the tray with the nuts or T-bolts. Remove any ground wires that may be attached to the studs. Take note of where they were attached, as you will need to put them back on.
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Step 3
If your car has T-bolts, the studs may come out of the head with the T-bolt, or they may stay in the head. If they stay in the head, you can leave them in there, as they are usually short enough to not interfere with your job. Gently lift the valve cover off the head. You may need to use a flathead screwdriver to pry it off. Take care not to bend the valve cover when using the screwdriver to pry the valve cover off.
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Step 4
Scrape all remains of the gasket off the head. Take care not to get any of the gasket in the oil holes in the head. Scrape the remains of the gasket off the valve cover. If a cork gasket was used, you may need to apply gasket remover to help you get the bits of gasket off.
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Step 5
Wipe the surface of the head where the valve cover rests. Wipe the surface of the valve cover where the gasket rests. It is important to have a clean surface for the new valve cover. It should be free of dirt and excess oil.
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Step 6
Apply a very thin coating of RTV to the valve cover. Let it start to skin over. Depending on the temperature and the amount of humidity in the air, this could take a minute or more. The RTV should be tacky, but should not come off on your finger.
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Step 7
Lay the valve cover gasket on the valve cover, being careful to line up any tabs. Make sure there are no warps in the gasket. Lay the valve cover and gasket on the head. Carefully check your work to be sure nothing is caught between the cover and the head, as it will cause a leak. Reattach any wires or wire holders and put the bolts or T-bolts back on.
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Step 8
Start the car and watch for oil leaks.
