Valve Cover Gaskets/ Transmission line fittings to the radiator, do I need them?
Hi,
I went to a mechanic to put in the new oil pressure sensor that I had just bought and he told me he noticed two leaks while he was looking underneath the car. And that I needed to buy a valve cover gasket and 2 transmission line fittings to the radiator for him. How can I be sure that these repairs are needed? I saw that changing the valve cover gaskets on a car is not a small job. I dont want to end up having "repairs" done to my car which it didn't really need. Please let me know how I can know if this repair actually needs to be done.
My car has 197000 miles.
My car
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. The only way to really know for sure if you need to have these repairs done would be to get a second opinion. If the valve covers are leaking then they should be repaired to prevent further issues. As for the transmission line fittings, if these are leaking at the transmission then they need to be fixed also. Most of the time that does not need anything more than tightening the hoses at the fitting to stop any leakage. If you would like to get a second opinion on these leaks, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose and repair this.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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Your valve cover gasket may be leaking for a variety of reasons. It could be shrunken, cracked or rotten, or your valve cover itself may be cracked or broken or one of the valve cover bolts may just be loose, allowing a little leak. Your car may have 1 or 2 valve covers depending on its configuration.
A valve cover gasket is an engine component designed to protect cylinder head hardware from the elements and prevent oil from escaping the engine. Typically, the gasket is made of plastic, rubber or cork to create a tight seal between the engine cover and engine, acting as a two-way barrier.
There are many different types of adhesives that can be used with gasket materials (including 3M VHB). The most common types are hot-melt and acrylic based adhesives. A hot-melt adhesive provides a light tack that will help fix a gasket in place, but its tackiness will reduce over time.
Torque the valve cover bolts to 5-6 ft/lbs, making sure gaskets do not slip out of position. Proper torqueing will help to ensure that your covers do not leak oil.
Silicon rubber: Silicon rubber valve cover gaskets are easy to replace, and tend to hold up better where breakage is concerned.
If a valve is over-tightened, it deforms the tubing and the connection, as mentioned earlier.
Sometimes when oil leaks from a valve cover gasket it leaks all the way down to the spark plug well and eventually seeps inside the spark plug tubes. This will cause a misfire or reduce engine performance.
Valve cover gaskets are designed to seal “dry,” so don`t apply sealant to the face of the gasket. Finish off the job by snugging up the valve coverbolts to the torque specifications in your shop manual.
Most rubber gaskets are used to seal a piece of machinery or aid in the sealing process. While most gaskets don`t require gasket sealant, it is still a common tool used to allow for a better placement when fitting onto the application.
Permatex epoxy glue (US$7.75, Amazon) is a top choice for specifically gluing metal to metal, but for gluing metal to almost any other material, including rubber, nothing comes in better rated than Loctite`s ultra-gel glue (US$4.49, Amazon).
Silicone is an excellent choice for gaskets because it forms a tight seal and repels water. Plus, its ability to withstand temperature extremes make it superior to many other types of rubber.
Yes. LOCTITE has two types of gasket seal technologies – one is anaerobic and the other is high-performance Silicones. LOCTITE Anaerobic Gaskets are resistant to gasoline and fuel oils.
no, you need a torque wrench. it`s not negotiable. 1/4″ drive is the right torque range for this job. don`t play with tiny aluminum bolts.
Depends on the valve cover. If it`s an old type pressed steel one that sits on a 1/4″ thick cork gasket then no. If it`s a cast aluminium one that mates to a cast aluminium cylinder head with either a thin gasket or no gasket and just a thin smear of sealant, then yes.
Flexibility, weather resistance, and electrical insulation properties make silicone rubber a very popular choice for gasket materials. Silicone maintains high performance at extreme temperatures, remaining functional between -60°F and more than +400°F.
Description. The valve train typically includes the camshaft, valves, valve springs, retainers, rocker arms and shafts.
Regardless of type, all valves have the following basic parts: the body, bonnet, trim (internal elements), actuator, and packing.
Regardless of type, all valves have the following basic parts.. the body, bonnet, trim (internal elements), actuator, and packing.
For an engine with cast-iron heads and steel valves, you can expect the lash to tighten up a couple of thousandths of an inch as it heats up-so for the cold lash you would set the valve lash a couple thousandths larger than the cam manufacturer`s recommended hot lash setting.
The valve cover gasket seals the top of the engine, and if it leaks, oil can drip down onto the valves and cylinders. This can cause the engine to misfire, and as a result, the engine will run Rough idling is often caused by an imbalance in the air-to-fuel ratio.
This can manifest as a rough idle, stalling, or difficulty starting the vehicle. In severe cases, engine misfiring can lead to damage to the spark plugs, which can be costly to replace. Excessive oil consumption is also a potential sign of valve cover gasket failure.
Oil and coolant leaks are common issues on many vehicles. Just because you see a leak doesn`t mean you have a blown head gasket. If you see the majority of the oil or coolant seeping out from the engine block though, it could be an indication that the head gasket is no longer maintaining a seal.
Don`t apply RTV to the entire gasket, Fel-Pro valve cover gaskets are designed to be installed clean and dry.
It is fine to use the correct RTV sealant instead of a gasket if used in the right application (oil, high temp, fuel). Not, however, if the gasket thickness is required to produce a specific amount of clearance. RTV sealant is better than primitive gaskets in most applications ie.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Valve Cover Gaskets/ Transmission line fittings to the radiator, do I need them?
ANSWER : Hello. The only way to really know for sure if you need to have these repairs done would be to get a second opinion. If the valve covers are leaking then they should be repaired to prevent further issues. As for the transmission line fittings, if these are leaking at the transmission then they need to be fixed also. Most of the time that does not need anything more than tightening the hoses at the fitting to stop any leakage. If you would like to get a second opinion on these leaks, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose and repair this.
Pete, I need valve cover gaskets and timing cover gaskets replaced, I have the gaskets / kits for all. Price please? Thanks, David
ANSWER : Hi there. Typically when the timing cover gasket is replaced, the cover itself should be replaced as well. To receive an estimate for this service, and the valve cover gasket, please click this link and enter your vehicle information and services requested. Once we receive the data, we’ll send you a quote via email. Thanks.
Cant find brake fitting for 1/4 line going into rear rubber line with tee.
ANSWER : Your best bet would be to have a professional perform the service for you since you are having so much trouble. These are the brake lines so you really want them done right the first time and a warranty in case something goes wrong and your pedal gets soft. The old fitting will need to be cut from the old line and placed on the new line and the new line flared as the vehicle is set up which may require that expensive tool. Consider hiring an experienced technician like one from YourMechanic who can help you avoid a tow fee and come out to take a closer look at the brake system damage to offer a more personal estimate on the repairs.
Turbo VS. Non-Turbo Valve Cover Gasket
ANSWER : Hi there. Looks like the gaskets are the same for the turbo and non turbo engines. I recommend asking the local parts store for to see a valve cover gasket for the non turbo engine and a gasket for a turbo engine and compare the two gaskets. If the gaskets are the same material and have the same design, the go for the valve cover gasket that will fit your budget. If you need further assistance with the valve cover gasket, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
I have a 2001 Toyota Tundra 4.7 V-8. When replacing the valve cover gasket, what should I torque the valve cover back to when rein
ANSWER : The valve cover bolt is tightened to 60 inch pounds.
Was told that I need my valve cover gasket replaced. It is the drives side 1998 Mercedes C280
ANSWER : Hi there – I believe the "gasket" you mention that is actually leaking is one of a handful of rubber grommets for the bolts that hold on the valve cover gasket. They require removal of the valve cover gasket to replace, and should be replaced at the same time as the valve cover gasket. They get hard with age and heat, and will leak in a similar time frame as the valve cover gasket. I recommend a valve cover gasket replacement by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, and replace the gasket and grommets, resolving the leak.
I was told to change my valve gasket and valve cover. Should I?
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. Five years is a bit on the early side to have a leaking valve cover gasket. The labor time is 3 hours to replace that gasket and YourMechanic typically charges around $400 (part and labor) but there is some variance from region to region. The second estimate that you received is clearly high but not sure if that second estimate includes a new valve cover. The original cover is normally re-usable and if anyone proposes to replace it, they should show you clear evidence of a major problem. It is best not to have engine oil leaks, but if the leak from the valve cover is small, not dripping on a hot manifold (fire hazard) or dripping onto rubber motor mounts, wiring, and so forth you can wait a little while to repair it. Here at YourMechanic, we can have a technician come to your home or office to perform your valve cover gasket replacement for you.
I would like to know what parts I need to replace VVT ECCENTRIC SHAFT SENSOR and Valve cover
ANSWER : Although we would need to confirm using your VIN number, the required valve cover in your application appears to be part #: BMW-11127552281. The required BMW Eccentric Shaft Sensor (Valvetronic) is part #: VDO-S119565001Z. These OEM parts can be installed more economically for you by a mobile professional mechanic versus the cost you will see at a dealer. If you desire that these parts be replaced by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request quotes for valve cover/gasket replacement as well as VVT sensor or solenoid replacement. Once you set up an appointment, the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
