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Step 1
Take a trip to your local auto parts store. Tell them you need a valve cover gasket for the year and model car you have. Try and get a silicone gasket if it is available. These gaskets are relatively cheap. $15-$40.
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Step 2
Open the hood to your car. Locate the valve covers. This is the cover that has the oil cap on it. If it is a 4 cylinder engine, then it only has one cover, if it is a 6 or 8 cylinder then it probably has 2.
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Step 3
You will now locate the bolts holding the valve cover to the head. Use a socket and wrench to remove the bolts. Be careful when removing, you do not want to break a bolt off into the head. I personally have done this, and it is a major headache. Turn slowly to break the bolt loose. Remove all the bolts securing the cover to the head.
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Step 4
Remove the valve cover. This may take a little force. The old gasket will keep it from being removed so easily.
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Step 5
Remove and residue from the old gasket. Take a flat-head screwdriver and scrape the residue off the head. Take caution, do not chip any of the metal from the head.
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Step 6
Clean the gasket from the valve cover itself. Spray break cleaner on it to remove it easier.
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Step 7
Set the gasket in the valve cover. You may want to use some extra silicone in a tube to better seal the cover. Use it around typical trouble spots, like corners and spark plug holes. Set the valve cover slowly over the head. Make sure it lines up and the gasket does not move. If it moves, remove it and redo it.
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Step 8
After you have got the cover and gasket seated, begin to reinstall the bolts. Use a torque wrench to correctly torque the bolts. Do not over torque. You may break a bolt off in the head, and we have already discussed how that goes. Start the engine and check for leaks.
