How to Install a Valve Cover

An engine's valve cover's primary purpose is to prevent dirt and debris from entering the valve train, and ultimately the engine itself. However, a valve cover also prevents the oil which circulates through the valve train directly underneath the valve cover from leaking onto the exterior of the engine. When leaks occur, the amount of oil within the engine can rapidly decrease and can even pose a serious fire risk if the oil reaches the exhaust manifold. Bolting a valve cover to the engine's cylinder head is a simple task, but it is imperative that the cover's gasket be properly installed to prevent future leaks.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gasket scraper Lint-free cloth Valve cover gasket Gasket sealer Torque wrench Engine's specifications manual

1. Clean the inner lip of the valve cover as well as the flat lip along the circumference of the cylinder head to ensure that each surface is free of dirt, debris and especially old gasket material. A cleaning solvent is not required to clean the surfaces. Simply scrap any contaminants off of each surface with a gasket scraper, then wipe each surface with a clean lint-free cloth.

2. Spread gasket sealer on one side of the valve cover, then place the coated side of the gasket against the inner lip of the valve cover.

3. Coat the opposite side of the gasket with gasket sealer.

4. Position the valve cover onto the cylinder head.

5. Insert each of the valve cover's retaining bolts through the valve cover and into the cylinder head, then finger-tighten each retaining bolt.

6. Torque each valve cover bolt to the proper torque setting with a torque wrench, usually between 10 to 15 ft./lb. The precise torque setting can be found in the engine's specifications manual.

7. Allow at least one hour to pass before starting the engine to allow the gasket sealer to dry.

References

• Motor's Auto Repair Manual, Ralph Ritchen, 1968

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