Quick question about replacing valve cover gasket

[moiremusic]

Lots of oil leaking from the base of the valve cover. Hoping I can just fix it with a gasket replacement.

Dumb question, though: do I need to drain the oil first or can I just pop this thing off if the engine is cold?

 

[jestlurnin]

Just pop off. No need to drain oil.

 

[Output Shaft]

When the cover is cool, remove it and pull out the old gasket. Clean out the gasket groove in the cover really well. The end of a wooden clothespin covered with a rag works well. Degrease the groove completely.

When you've got the new gasket, apply a small dab of RTV silicon adhesive in the groove at each corner and a few other spots along its length. Not a ton of it, just a small dab that will grab the gasket.

Insert the new gasket into the groove, pressing it in firmly. Then flip the cover over and place it on a flat surface with a weight placed on the cover. Let it sit overnight to let the RTV cure.

The reason to go to all this trouble tap-gluing in the gasket is because it can fall out when trying to replace the valve cover on the engine... or a part of it can, and get pinched when it gets bolted down... defeating everything you set out to accomplish.

 

[Godwin]

When the cover is cool, remove it and pull out the old gasket. Clean out the gasket groove in the cover really well. The end of a wooden clothespin covered with a rag works well. Degrease the groove completely.

When you've got the new gasket, apply a small dab of RTV silicon adhesive in the groove at each corner and a few other spots along its length. Not a ton of it, just a small dab that will grab the gasket.

Insert the new gasket into the groove, pressing it in firmly. Then flip the cover over and place it on a flat surface with a weight placed on the cover. Let it sit overnight to let the RTV cure.

The reason to go to all this trouble tap-gluing in the gasket is because it can fall out when trying to replace the valve cover on the engine... or a part of it can, and get pinched when it gets bolted down... defeating everything you set out to accomplish.

Heed this advice as it is spot on. If you do not glue the gasket in place you'll very likely knock it loose while reinstalling as the gasket very easily snags on a rear rocker arm bolt.