How to Change Valve Covers
The valve covers on an engine are almost always installed in a conspicuous spot on or near the top of the motor. The covers are responsible for covering and protecting the valve train. Because they are in such a conspicuous place, car owners often upgrade the valve covers with chrome, billet or some other type of more attractive looking valve covers. Replacing valve covers requires removing the old valve covers and installing the new covers, usually with new valve cover gaskets.
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Things You'll Need
- Socket set and ratchet
- Various screwdrivers, pliers, etc. (depending on the make of the vehicle)
- New valve covers
- Valve cover gaskets
- Gasket sealant
- Torque wrench
- Rags
- Degreaser
Instructions
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1
Let the engine cool down if the car has recently been driven. Open the hood. Locate the valve covers. On 4-cylinder and straight-6 engines the valve cover will usually be located on top of the engine. On V-8s and V-6s, there will be two valve covers, one on each side of the engine for each bank of cylinders.
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2
Remove any components that are in the way of the valve covers. There will often be fuel injection components that need to be moved aside such as fuel lines on modern cars. Older cars may need to have some carburetor components moved out of the way. Also disconnect any breather hoses or vacuum lines that fasten to the valve covers.
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3
Remove the spark plug wires if the wires go through openings in the valve covers. Pull the wires from their base where they fasten to the spark plug to avoid damaging them. Number the plug wires with a piece of tape and a marker to ensure that they are reinstalled in the proper order. On many engines the plug wires will not need to be removed.
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4
Remove the bolts that hold the valve covers or cover on with a ratchet and a socket. There will be a number of bolts around the perimeter of the valve cover that hold them on. Set the bolts or nuts aside so they are not misplaced.
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5
Pull the valve cover off of the engine. You may need to tap it lightly with a rubber mallet to free it if is seized on from the gasket. Clean the area where the valve cover installs with degreaser and a rag. If there is gasket material left on the engine, remove this with gasket remover. Spray the gasket remover on, let it bubble up and then scrape off the remaining gasket. Do not scratch the metal where the cover mounts; scratching could cause leaks.
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6
Place a new valve cover gasket on the engine. Consult a workshop manual to determine if you need to use gasket sealant as well as the gasket. BMW engines, for instance, usually require a small amount of gasket sealant in the corners to prevent leaks. Other cars, such as a Triumph TR6 convertible, use only a cork gasket with no sealant.
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7
Bolt the valve cover gasket to the manufacturer's recommended torque setting. This is usually not very tight. Over tightening the valve cover can cause leaks later on. Reinstall any components --- vacuum lines, fuel injection components, plug wires, etc --- that were removed to access the valve covers.
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