Valve cover gasket: design, function and replacement

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

When a valve cover gasket fails, car owners should brace themselves for big trouble. The fact is that this spare part provides absolute tightness to the engine. Therefore, as soon as the gasket loses its sealing properties, the motor starts to leak.

What is she?

This part can be seen right after you open the hood. The purpose of this element is to seal the neck of the gas distribution mechanism (so that oil does not penetrate into unnecessary places). The cover itself is mounted on several bolts or nuts.

A VAZ valve cover gasket is made of special rubber, which does not lose its properties even with prolonged heating. However, nothing in the world is eternal, and even such a material loses its elastic properties over time.

Why shouldn't the replacement be postponed?

As noted above, a failed valve cover gasket can lead to seriousconsequences. And it all starts with the fact that oil will gradually get on the head of the block through the cracks formed in the rubber. It seems at first glance nothing serious, but in fact, even a few milliliters of leaked liquid can disable many parts and mechanisms. The fact is that oil attracts a thick layer of road dust, and it, in turn, is not the best "guest" in the engine compartment.

Therefore, if you find the slightest smudges, do not hesitate to replace. And you can change this part in a few minutes, and without the use of special tools. Below we will look at how the Ford and VAZ valve cover gasket changes.

First, let's prepare the necessary tools. To work, we need to have a few milliliters of gasoline (or any other means that eliminates greasy smudges), motor sealant and, of course, a new gasket.

Next, you can get to work. First, we dismantle the old part. To do this, remove the air cleaner housing and unscrew the fixing nuts. Now we have free access to the gasket. Throw away the old part and install a new one in its place. It is important to remember that the valve cover gasket must be treated with sealant on both sides before installation. One more thing. If you find traces of old sealant at the point of contact between the cylinder head and the cover, clean them and degrease the surface. Next, we put the new part in place, cover it with a lid and tighten the necessary bolts.

As you can see, the replacement process is not very difficult. However, even here, some car owners manage to make a mistake. So that you do not encounter such things, below we will give a small list of things that you should pay special attention to.

1. First, don't buy cheap pads. They may crack even before they reach their service life.
2. Second, don't skimp on sealant. Apply it in even continuous parts around the entire perimeter of the part.
3. Third, keep an eye on the bolts. They do not need to be tightened or overtightened.