Approximately, how long will a warranty last on a replaced or resealed valve cover gasket?
I got my cam cover gasket replaced in Aug. 2013, than in Sept .2014, again replaced and resealed valve cover gasket, and now there is steel oil leeks, and the car was diagnosed Jan 2017. with leak from valve cover. is there any warranty for repair like this?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
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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Recommended Services. 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.
When running your vehicle, the valve cover will have to do its job and keep the oil from leaking out. Most of the gaskets on your car last anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 miles.
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.
Is it safe to drive with a valve cover gasket problem? Yes, as long as the amount of oil leaking is small, and there is no leak onto hot engine parts such as the exhaust manifold, it is safe to drive your car until you have an opportunity to fix it.
Head gaskets typically last 200,000 miles, which is considered about the lifetime of most cars. That means, if you look after your car and follow the service schedule, you should never be faced with a blown head gasket.
A gasket may last 5 years, or it could last 20 years.
Gaskets are usually replaced on an “as needed” basis as when an engine is leaking coolant, oil, vacuum or compression. New gaskets also may be needed when doing repairs that involve engine disassembly such as removing an intake or exhaust manifold, valve cover, timing cover, oil pan or cylinder head.
The oil pan gasket could take from 1.75 to 2.50 hours depending on the technician that is working on the vehicle. If you are not a mechanic and are wanting to change the oil pan gasket and have all of the tools, then it could be around 4 to 6 hours.
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.
Over a period of time the gasket becomes brittle and will crack due to exposure to dirt, debris, heat and other elements. When this occurs, the gasket can lose its integrity and leak, potentially causing cosmetic issues like leaking oil, or drivability problems and reduced engine performance.
Is it safe to drive with a blown head gasket? No, the sooner you get it fixed, the better. Aside from the damage it will do to your engine, driving with a blown head gasket can be dangerous.
Unfortunately, a valve cover gasket leak can be dangerous if it leads to spontaneous vehicle failure or overheating as you drive. While it doesn`t pose a serious risk of sudden harm otherwise, it can cause extensive internal damage to your engine and related systems, which can cost hundreds or thousands to repair.
Some older head gaskets can just fail because they are of a poor design, and are not robust enough for the application. This used to be more of an issue with older style, metal gaskets, which could only last for so many years of going from cold to hot with every start up before failing.
When stored in normal warehouse conditions, all PTFE and Rulon materials have an unlimited shelf life. In fact, a common industry joke is that, at 85 years and counting, PTFE has “not been around long enough” to determine how long it will last!
“When you remove the oil filter, always make sure that the gasket came with it,” Hines says. If you leave the old gasket in there and install the new filter with a new gasket, it won`t seal correctly, and you`ll make a big mess when you go to start the car again.
Compression set
Once a gasket has taken a set (due to temperature and fluids), it should not be disturbed or reused.
We are frequently asked about reusing gaskets. We do not recommend this practice. A gasket`s function is to conform to flange high and low spots when compressed, and its ability to reseal decreases after it is compressed.
Depending on how severe the leak or perforation is, a car usually does not last longer than a month with a blown head gasket.
The gaskets that connect the pan to the engine block can wear over time and allow leaking. An over-tightened drain plug, a bad washer, even rocks and debris from the road all have the ability to cause a major leak if gone untreated. Engines run so hot, that the high temperature can deteriorate the gasket over time.
When your PCV valve is malfunctioning, it throws the air to fuel mixture out of balance and can lead to poor performance and rough idle, as well as misfires. In the very short term, these issues should not damage your car, but if you don`t fix the issue, you can do lasting damage, so it`s best to get it fixed promptly.
Reason #3: Bad PCV Valve
The first two reasons a car engine might lose oil is due to a leak. The last three have to do with an engine burning oil, which can be a much more significant problem. However, a bad PCV valve is a tiny, inexpensive part that can cause an engine to burn oil if it goes bad.
If you have an engine oil leak that is coming from both valve covers then it would be recommended that you have both valve cover gaskets replaced at the same time to stop oil leaks and prevent repeating work at a later time to do the other valve cover.
Silicon rubber: Silicon rubber valve cover gaskets are easy to replace, and tend to hold up better where breakage is concerned.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is manifold gasket replacement a diehard requirement for manifold r&r?
ANSWER : The intake manifold gasket can be reused if it is not damaged in any way. The cost of the new gasket versus removing the intake again if it leaks is something to think about. Consider if it’s worth the risk to reuse it if you had to do the job twice. The manual for your Pontiac Grand Am says you can reuse it as long as it is not damaged, but I personally would not reuse it.
If you need some assistance with this, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can come help you with the repairs you’re making and service your intake manifold gasket as necessary. Good luck.
