After valve cover gasket replacement, compressor broke
There was a burning smell in my car and I took it to the mechanic’s shop. He told me that he found that the valve cover gaskets had been leaking oil onto the exhaust. He removed and replaced both of the valve cover gaskets. As soon as I had driven away, the A/C light started flashing, which was an indication that the compressor had broken. Back to the mechanic’s and I had him look again. He reported that the compressor, sure enough, was broken but that it was not due to the valve gasket replacements. The timing was either a coincidence or a bit suspicious to me. I would like your assessmen
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Hi there. Thanks for writing in about your 2000 Lexus GS400. Compressors can go bad due to oil saturation. It is likely that the technician spilled additional oil on the compressor when replacing the valve cover. The technician may have dealt the final blow to the already weakened compressor if they did spill such additional oil onto it. Unfortunately there is no real way to prove if this was done or not. If you need to have this taken care of, a qualified professional, such as one from YourMechanic can take a look at the car and replace the compressor if necessary.
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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.
If you`re dealing with a leaking valve cover gasket, oil can migrate to different areas of your car`s hot engine bay. This can result in a very strong, unpleasant odor of burning oil coming from under your hood – which will be evident each time you start and drive your car.
A leaking valve cover is a prime issue in a gasket. The common signs of a leaked valve cover are filthy cover, oil burning smell, engine failure, engine knocking, and a lit check engine light. Sometimes you might also see white fumes from the engine.
Leaking mystery
The telltale sign of a valve cover gasket that has lost its seal is an oil-covered valve cover or a burning oil smell when the engine is running. As oil leaks from a valve cover, it can contact a hot exhaust manifold and burn. Smoke can then waft into the cabin.
If your car has an exhaust leak, it is not something you want to take lightly. The performance of your vehicle will be hindered. More importantly, it can potentially be deadly for you and your passengers if carbon monoxide and other harmful fumes are leaking inside the vehicle.
A leaking valve can cause a significant power drop due to the loss of compression. It doesn`t matter if the compression leak is because the valve is bent, worn, eroded or cracked, or if the valve face or seat are not concentric or are out-of-round, the result is still the same.
If the burned oil smell is coming from the tailpipe (bluish white smoke), it is a symptom of oil leaking into the combustion chamber, which means it is getting into your exhaust system.
Reason #1: Exhaust Leak
The sound will get louder during a cold start and under acceleration. It`ll also cause a burning smell that you can detect in the cabin. To fix this problem, you`ll just need the exhaust leak fixed.
If the gasket is worn out, it will leak engine oil and the top of the engine will be likely be covered in oil. It can also expose your engine to dirt, debris and other pollutants with the ability to cause permanent damage. You`ll need to get an immediate replacement to prevent serious damage to your engine.
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.
It`s really a pretty simple system, but does an important job. The re-circulating air removes moisture and combustion waste from the crankcase, preventing sludge. This extends not only the life of your oil, but the engine as well. The PCV relieves pressure in the crankcase, preventing oil leaks.
They`re typically made from rubber or cork. When this gasket is in place, it prevents oil from leaking out onto the outside of the engine. Because of the tremendous heat produced by an engine, valve cover gaskets may break down over time, causing leaks.
Spray penetrating oil on the exhaust manifold bolts. Underneath, spray the bolts connecting the exhaust manifold collector to the exhaust pipe flange. Let all bolts soak for 10 minutes. Using a ratchet or a wrench, slowly apply pressure to the exhaust manifold bolts.
Spray penetrating oil on the exhaust manifold bolts. Underneath, spray the bolts connecting the exhaust manifold collector to the exhaust pipe flange. Let all bolts soak for 10 minutes. Using a ratchet or a wrench, slowly apply pressure to the exhaust manifold bolts.
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After valve cover gasket replacement, compressor broke
ANSWER : Hi there. Thanks for writing in about your 2000 Lexus GS400. Compressors can go bad due to oil saturation. It is likely that the technician spilled additional oil on the compressor when replacing the valve cover. The technician may have dealt the final blow to the already weakened compressor if they did spill such additional oil onto it. Unfortunately there is no real way to prove if this was done or not. If you need to have this taken care of, a qualified professional, such as one from YourMechanic can take a look at the car and replace the compressor if necessary.
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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.
Read Full Q/A … : After valve cover gasket replacement, compressor broke
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.
Read Full Q/A … : After valve cover gasket replacement, compressor broke
I have a 2006 Nissan Maxima and have been told the valve covers are plastic, so they have to be replaced. They cannot replace jus
ANSWER : Hi there. As far as I’m aware, the valve covers on a V6 3.5 Liter Nissan engine are made of steel and not plastic or a polymer. If the valve cover was a strong polymer (or plastic), the valve cover gasket would still be separate from the OEM valve cover and could be replaced. However, the spark plug O-rings inside the valve cover are not replaceable, so it is recommended to replace the valve cover and gasket at the same time. This video should explain what I’m talking about.
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Approximately, how long will a warranty last on a replaced or resealed valve cover gasket?
ANSWER : The engine valve cover gasket should last for about 8 to 12 years. If the gasket is leaking, then the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve is plugged up causing the engine to build up too much crankcase pressure blowing out the gasket. I recommend replacing the PCV valve and the valve cover gasket. The only time the warranty is applied to a valve cover gasket is from the manufacture time (new cars) or a company that offers a warranty for their products. If you need further assistance with your oil leaks, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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When replacing the AC Compressor, do I need to replace both expansion valves as well or just the front
ANSWER : Hi there. Anytime you replace major air conditioning system components like the AC compressor, it’s recommended to purchase all supporting hardware and replace it at the same time. AC works as a series of individual components working efficiently together to create cool air that flows into your cabin. As such, if you’re replacing the front expansion valve, it’s a good idea to replace the rear at the same time. This increases overall efficiency of the system, reduces the potential of small component failure and allows the parts you replaced to last longer.
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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.
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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.
Read Full Q/A … : After valve cover gasket replacement, compressor broke
