Valve Cover Gaskets

Joeb6812

Joeb6812

Registered
My Mark 8 has been falling apart lately! I had a check engine light on and fixed it with a new gas cap, the front control arms are falling out of the car, my air suspension in the front is leaking down overnight, and the engine was skipping. I fixed the skip with a new coil, but found out that the spark plug tube seals are leaking badly. How hard is it to change the valve covor gaskets and spark plug tube seals? The passenger side looks like the throttle body might have to come off.
 
Its not that hard if you are handy with tools. I am a novice gear head and switched out my valve covers in my front yard. There are a few items that need removed to get them out.

I was told to remove the motor mount for what ever side your are trying to take off and jack up the engine a little. I was scared to do this and tried to remove the valve cover with out doing this for over an hour. Then I removed the mount and jacked it up a little and it took 5 minutes. sounds harder than it is.
 
Spent the day working on the valve covers, replacing the gaskets, coils and COP's. I have to tell you, I am not a certified mechanic by no means. I will try everything I believe I can handle at least once. Today I tried the valve cover gaskets. This was a royal PITA! I finally got the passenger side off, no damage was done on that side. Everything looked in tact.
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I got the cover back on and buttoned it back up and moved to the drivers side. First I moved the master cylinder, then the fuse box, and move the power steering fluid up. I am having a real hard time getting this valve cover off. I really need some help with this one. Anyone have any ideas?
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what ever you do just DO NOT loosen the bolts on the ends of the cams. as soon as they are loose they will snap out of time like they were spring loaded and you will screwed.
 
Remove the motor mount bolt on the driver's side and lift the engine up with a jack(using a piece of wood or something...or jack it up on the driver's side cat) and you'll be able to get it off.
 
Naw man....the motor mount is the easy part, you've already done all the hard work! Plus you don't have to line up the motor mount bolt hole when you're done, it has alignment dowels that keep it nice and inline.
 
Good, cuz after I replace the blend door actuator and arm I just got in the mail, I'm gonna tackle the gaskets.
 
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