How Often Do You Replace Your Valve Cover Gasket?

[llll1l1ll]

Hey Mafia,

I did my VCG six or seven months ago, and now there's a leak again. It's not a mega omg leak or anything, but there is oil dripping out. Right around the area where the O2 sensor is on the headers. It's makin' some smoke. Anyway, I'm just kinda bummed because it leads me to believe that perhaps my valve cover - or worse - cylinder head is warped leading to premature gasket failure.

I'm curious: how often do y'all replace your valve cover gaskets? I can't imagine it's a yearly thing - but maybe it is!

Pete

[danewilson77]

Every other time doing spark plugs, would be conservative. Or even evry thrid time.

[Hornung418]

Try tightening the bolts again. Its very possible that they have come lose enough to allow a leak to form.

Sent from my GS3.

[llll1l1ll]

Good idea...

[TheFinanceGuy]

When you replaced the gasket, did you replace the little rubber grommets as well? If not, you could replace those as well. Also, check to make sure the gasket didn't get pinched when it was installed.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/image/engine/gaskets_11121437395_valve_cover_grommet_seal_M50_M 52_M54_S54_lg.jpg

[llll1l1ll]

I used the little rubber grommets! I think possibly it was pinched or a bolt came loose. Either way, it's not life threatening to the car and is a minor nuisance. I'll replace it if necessary.

[Smilez]

I've done it twice. I'm at 257k miles

[Dave1027]

Something else to consider is the CCV system may not be providing enough vacuum to the crankcase and blowing the VCG out.

[SoCalZman]

My mechanic did my first one at 93k or around there. However, he used a non OEM VCG so I assume this one will not last as long. I will be insisting on a OEM one next time. Or if a mafia member is nearby they can help me do it MYSELF! :-)

[WOLFN8TR]

I've done it twice. I'm at 257k miles

257K Nice Ray!!

[llll1l1ll]

Something else to consider is the CCV system may not be providing enough vacuum to the crankcase and blowing the VCG out.

That didn't even dawn on me! That's my likely culprit. This winter, I had some condensation forming on the oil cap. My car doesn't really exhibit any other symptoms of a bad CCV; however, I've heard the system in general isn't all that great to begin with. I've been meaning to invest in the setup someone posted somewhere else in the forum. You likely know what I'm talking about! I think that would probably solve my problem or at least give my car some extra cool points.

[Dave1027]

You can do a simple test.

Start engine. Remove oil cap and put the palm of your hand over the oil inlet. Do you feel any suction? You should.

[ELCID86]

You can do a simple test.

Start engine. Remove oil cap and put the palm of your hand over the oil inlet. Do you feel any suction? You should.

Good call. A plastic bag over the hand or rubber glove may help.


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