cliffy0722
Registered
How hard is it to change the valve cover gaskets on my 98 Mark VIII LSC? How much does it cost for parts?
Valve Covers
- Thread starter cliffy0722
- Start date
The Rocker(valve) Cover gaskets are about 60 bucks, and it can be done, but its a pain. The passenger side isn't too bad, but the driver side requires moving the master cylinder out of the way.
One way I've heard to make it easier is to remove the motor mount bolt on the side you're working on and lift the engine up. This will angle the engine towards the opposite side and give you a tad bit more room.
One way I've heard to make it easier is to remove the motor mount bolt on the side you're working on and lift the engine up. This will angle the engine towards the opposite side and give you a tad bit more room.
Driller.....I'm guessing his gaskets are leaking, since he asked how hard it would be to change them. 
Logres....I'm thinking you have to move the master cylinder anyways right? When I re-installed my K-member, my bolts went in easy. The bracket has little dowel pins that line it up with the K-member, so I lowered all the weight of the engine onto the K-member and both of my bolts were still loose. I was able to slide them in/out and start them by hand without any issues, but each car is different, plus I had an engine hanger.
You'll want both bolts loose(each mount) anyways because it'll bind up when you try to move the engine side to side.
Logres....I'm thinking you have to move the master cylinder anyways right? When I re-installed my K-member, my bolts went in easy. The bracket has little dowel pins that line it up with the K-member, so I lowered all the weight of the engine onto the K-member and both of my bolts were still loose. I was able to slide them in/out and start them by hand without any issues, but each car is different, plus I had an engine hanger.
You'll want both bolts loose(each mount) anyways because it'll bind up when you try to move the engine side to side.
Driller.....I'm guessing his gaskets are leaking, since he asked how hard it would be to change them.
What?!
You think I pulled mine for practice? Read real slow now, J... you can reseal the valve cover without buying new gaskets.
A good cleaning, some RTV silicone and Permatex Super High-Tack sealant with a healthy dose of patience is all you need(besides tools).
What?!
Nooooooo, I was thinking you pulled yours to put on some cool looking rocker covers like me! I knew that you knew that the factory gaskets are "re-useable" so I assumed you were doing some "upgrades".
Read real slow now, J... you can reseal the valve cover without buying new gaskets.
A good cleaning, some RTV silicone and Permatex Super High-Tack sealant with a healthy dose of patience is all you need(besides tools).
Come on now...don't be mean! A "real" mechanic would use NEW gaskets if you're spend all that time pulling those pesky covers! I'd hate to smear the silicone or Permatex during the install and have to pull them again! :mad-tilt: That'd piss me right off!
Silly... that red paint won't make it any faster. Besides, the cam covers are on the wrong side and you're missing a sealing ring on one.
A "real" mechanic fixes things with minimal investment. A "parts changer"... well, changes parts hoping to fix it. LOL (THAT's mean)
Seriously, like the tranny pan gaskets, the silicone rubber gaskets are usually good enough to be reused several times. The Hi-Tack is used to fix the gasket onto the cover to prevent it from sliding. Also good to hold the 'donuts' on the spark plug wells while you position the cover. Very little RTV is needed, just a thin coating on the surface, not a 'bead' of it as in gasketless applications.
BigBoyBoelts
Registered
With how old our cars are starting to get, it might not be a bad idea to replace them.
Silly... that red paint won't make it any faster. Besides, the cam covers are on the wrong side and you're missing a sealing ring on one.
Yeah....when I took that picture, the flash wasn't working right so you can't see the engine underneath because the red was sooo shiny. :confused-red:
So are you calling me a "parts changer" because I do things "right"? :err-what?: lol
If I took my car to a shop to get my rocker cover gaskets replaced by a "real" mechanic and he puts some RTV on them and re-installs them, I don't think I'd be very happy because he wanted to do minimal investment. Haha, I know, an extreme example, but a good mechanic would do it right, not half arse it trying to fix an already leaking gasket. To each his own :smile-purple:
I reused my passenger's side gaskets as well.
They weren't leaking, I thought I had a valve spring problem.
I just used some sticky gasket stuff (forgot the name) to hold the gasket to the cover while I installed it. The donuts were still stuck, so I left them alone.
I just changed my plugs and wires and there is still no leaks or any oil on the plug wires.
They weren't leaking, I thought I had a valve spring problem.
I just used some sticky gasket stuff (forgot the name) to hold the gasket to the cover while I installed it. The donuts were still stuck, so I left them alone.
I just changed my plugs and wires and there is still no leaks or any oil on the plug wires.
Driller, I will say I agree with you if its something minor, but if his is leaking like mine(pass. rear lower corner) than I can assure you he shouldn't put silicone on it and try to re-use it, EXPECIALLY if he's not as mechanically inclined as we are. Its that much easier for people to make mistakes when they're unsure of their abilities.
MaddShadez
Registered
FWIW i did not have to mess with engine mounts or remove the master cylinder to remove the driver side valve cover. I did have to remove two brake lines, and a handful of other parts, and with enough wiggling it can be done.
jamies98lsc
Registered
J those pieces look fancy, where did you get them? and for the record its powder coated not paint lol.