How to Replace the Valve Cover Gasket in a VW Jetta

Your 2000 VW Jetta may be at or approaching 100,000 miles. It is now time to perform some required maintenance, to make sure that you minimize having to deal with smoke coming from your engine and oil leaks. This can be accomplished by replacing the valve cover gasket.

Things You'll Need

• 10 mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Automotive engine cleaner or degreaser
• Clean cloth and rag
• Valve cover gasket
• Valve cover gasket kit
• Motor oil

Instructions

1. Lift the hood and allow the engine to cool. Locate and remove the engine cover. Remove the spark plug wires, the screws holding the breather hose and the valve cover. Once the valve cover and the breather hose have been separated and disconnected, move them out of the way. Using the 10 mm wrench and socket, unscrew the coil fasteners from the valve cover and then remove the coil pack ground strap.

2. Locate and unscrew the bolts attached to the valve cover using the torque wrench. Remove the timing belt. Remove the upper plastic timing belt cover and then the valve cover. Remove the old gasket and clean the gasket seating area with automotive engine cleaner or degreaser and a cloth towel. Clean the area surrounding the camshaft chain tensioner and place RTV sealant at the corners where the camshaft tensioner meets the slinger head mating surface. Place the new gasket in.

3. Replace the valve cover and the timing belt cover. Tighten the bolts securing the calve cover and the timing belt into place. Place the spark plug wires, the coil packs, the ground straps and the heat-shield back in position and secure them with the appropriate bolts. Reattach the breather hose bolt and hose clamp.

4. Add oil to the vehicle and start the engine. Let the car run idle for about 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the oil to lubricate to the engine.