Tools for Replacing a Valve Cover Gasket

Video Transcript

"Hello, my name is Mark Blocker, on behalf of Expert Village. In this segment we are going to discuss the tools and equipment required for replacing a valve cover gasket. On our particular vehicle we are using is an older model Honda. It has real good accessibility and minimal tool requirements, but the tool requirements for replacing a valve cover gasket are going to vary from each particular model of vehicle and car. Depending on accessibility and the type of fasteners that they used to secure the valve cover gasket, and how many items that will need to be removed to gain accessibility to it. For this particular vehicle, the basic tools we are going to need area simple ten millimeter socket. A pair of pliers, for releasing the hose clamps. These are a pair of specialty pliers designed specifically for hoses, but a standard pair of pliers will work, you just have to release a spring clamp with it. Your going to need the valve cover gasket itself that you are replacing, and here is a laid out kit.This comes with the rubber outer gasket, the four seals for the fasteners, and these four round O rings because the valve cover on this particular model is split and the O rings are for the spark plug wires to protect the form getting oil leaked to them. This is a cleaning chemical, you can use engine degreaser, brake cleaner. There are a variety of different chemicals that are suitable for cleaning the oil residue off of the valve cover so you can get it to seal correctly. You will also need some silicone sealant. I always use the high temp variety because it covers a wide variety of applications. The main thing you need to check for and be aware of is if the sealant is sensor safe. There are a lot of different types of sealant on the market and some of the silicones used in home manufacturing and sealing widows put out volatile chemicals that can damage the oxygen sensors in your vehicles. So you want to make sure you are using a silicone that is designed for automotive use and is sensor safe. Please stay tuned watch our next segment on accessibility"