How to Replace a Valve Cover Gasket on a 2001 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4.0L
The 4.0-liter engine in your Jeep Cherokee uses a single one-piece valve cover, located at the top of the engine. The factory-installed gasket is a reusable pre-cured RTV gasket that is designed to be reinstalled if the valve cover has to be removed. Occasionally the gasket does fail, in which case it should be replaced with an identical factory replacement gasket, available at any auto parts store. When ordering parts, note that the valve cover is also referred to as the rocker arm cover in some catalogs.
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Instructions
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1
Raise the hood of your Jeep Cherokee. Locate the valve cover, which is at the very top of the engine.
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2
Remove the breather hoses from the valve cover by pulling them off. Pull the spark plug wire loom clips from the valve cover.
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3
Remove the valve cover retaining bolts by turning them counterclockwise with the socket.
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Loosen the valve cover by tapping it with the rubber mallet. Pull the cover away from the engine.
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Remove any old gasket material from the engine or the valve cover with the scraper. Wipe the sealing surfaces clean with a rag.
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Place the new gasket into the valve cover and place the assembly back onto the engine. Tighten the valve cover retaining bolts by turning them clockwise. Replace the wire looms and reinstall the breather hose by pushing it back into the valve cover.
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7
Start the vehicle and check for leaks.
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Tips & Warnings
Use the factory-specified gasket. Trying to use a generic cork gasket will typically result in a leaking valve cover.
When the valve cover is removed, do not allow any foreign objects to fall into the valve train area, as this could result in severe engine damage.
Do not pry the valve cover off the engine with a screwdriver or other tool. This will bend the lip of the cover and cause it to leak.
References
- "Jeep Cherokee, 1984 thru 2001 Haynes Repair Manual"; Bob Henderson and John H. Haynes; 2005
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
