Do I have to change the valve cover gaskets when I remove the valve covers? I know on some cars you have to but I'm not sure that you have to all the time.

Also how difficult would it be to remove the covers? Is there a lot of things in the way that also have to be removed?

 

If you like oil leaks don't change the cover gaskets.

 

I'll bet you $10 that the gaskets totally come apart on you when you take them off anyway. Not only that but you will have to scrape parts of them off the valve covers so when you put them back on with new gaskets it will seal properly.

And the driver side is easy off, easy on. THe passenger is semi-difficult off, and really a two person job to get back on. One to put on the cover, and another to hold things out of the way. At least with mine it was, my heater hose and everything runs down the passenger side of the intake.

 

Should I use some sort of gasket sealer? I know when I used it on my truck, It took forever to get them off. I think I over did it a bit, but they did't leak!

 

yeah definetely use some silicon sealant

 

I have used the rubber ones and they seem ok. I have not put any silicone on mine and they haven't leaked but they are centerbolt ones. I use a good Fel-pro gasket and all seems well.

 

I have always been told that is a good rule of thumb that you change the gaskits when you take off the valve covers (after they have been exposed to the heat)

 

Definitely change the cover gaskets. With the centerbolt heads, you'll be getting soft rubber gaskets that will seal quite well without any silicone sealant.

With perimeter-style covers (cork gaskets) you just about have to use some RTV to get them to stay straight and seal.....I usually glue them to the cover and leave the head side dry. That way when it comes time to do the job again, the gasket comes off with the cover and you can just use a bench grinder with a wire wheel to clean it off.

 

Mines got the rubber ones and Ive had the covers off numerous times in the past three months, never changed the gaskets and have not yet had a leak. I always take the pipe from the T/body to the heater valve off now when I do it. First time I didnt and I snapped a pipe off the heater valve trying to move it out of the way . You dont lose a lot of water from it so I play safe now.

 

i noticed oil near the pass. side of the intake where the runners are... is that due to a bad valve cover gasket? if so, would it hurt my performance if i left it a lone for the time being?

 

If the oil runs out, yes. VC gaskets are not that expensive and I believe they come in a pair. Buy a pair and fix it right before you have do do an entire motor. I know someone who asked that question like you and now has a new motor.

 

Thanks guys, I got it all patched up! The gaskets were like 15 each.

 

Warlock, was it a PITA?

 

4 bolts to remove the VC take it out and replace gasket and that is that

 

Yeah the hardest part, is getting the passenger VC, back on without knocking the gasket off or ripping it.