Valve cover replacement? 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
Took everything off to take valve cover off , took valve cover off and the valve cover is like a hard plastic , IDK if I should try and pry it out as it will break into pieces , do I have to buy different valve covers on this car the first time the gaskets are changed ??
My car has 190000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there – manufacturers are using plastic for valve covers, intake manifolds, and other engine components more and more often for weight and expense savings. Unfortunately, with repeated heat cycles, some of these plastics become brittle, or warp and won’t seal properly. You may very well need to replace the valve covers for this reason, but it should not happen again during the life of your vehicle. For assistance, I would recommend a valve cover gasket replacement by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, and repair this problem.
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Replacing a valve cover gasket is fairly basic but the procedure varies by engine. The toughest part is usually getting to the valve cover itself. Step 1: The first step may be the last step. Before tearing everything apart, first try gently cinching down the valve cover bolts or use a torque wrench.
What is the typical valve cover gasket replacement cost? The typical total cost of a valve gasket replacement is around $110 – $340 depending on the make and model of the vehicle. The parts cost very little – perhaps $10 to $40. The labour makes up the bulk of the cost: from $100 to $300.
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.
Silicon rubber: Silicon rubber valve cover gaskets are easy to replace, and tend to hold up better where breakage is concerned.
It is not recommended that you drive with a leaking valve cover gasket, as this can lead to overheating and engine insufficiency, as well as extensive engine damage.
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.
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. It can also cause a fire under your hood if it goes unrepaired.
(“Once you break the seal, you will never achieve the same level of performance!”) As a trusted gasket material supplier, our recommendation is that you never reuse a gasket. (Ok, ok, we know you are probably thinking “of course they would say that…they just want to sell more material” – but hang with us on this one.)
Your valve cover gasket may leak because of cracks and wear and tear. These leaks will cause your engine oil to deplete rapidly. The symptoms can result in a burning smell coming from under the hood. Oil will run down your engine block and create major issues if not attended to immediately.
How to fix a valve cover gasket leak. If you find evidence of a leak, the best solution is to use BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak. Adding 8oz. of BlueDevil oil stop leak to your engine oil is guaranteed to permanently seal any oil leaks in your vehicle`s engine.
Non-Asbestos Sheet Material Gasket
Non-asbestos materials are considered the most reliable option for all sealing flanges and are used in various applications. As the name would suggest, non-asbestos sheet material gaskets are cut from sheet materials that do not contain asbestos.
Overall, Victor Reinz makes excellent valve cover gaskets and you can`t go wrong if you decide to install one on your vehicle.
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.
Yes it can. If the valve cover is leaking bad enough the oil is going to drip down the engine and hit the hot exhaust manifold. When that happens the oil is going to burn which will make smoke.
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.
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.
The most common cause of failure with valve cover gaskets is a lack of maintenance. With extended oil changes, we may deplete engine oil additives that help keep valve cover gaskets pliable. Without this protection, gaskets and seals get hard and may start to leak.
Yes, missing one bolt can cause a bad leak and the only right way to solve the problem is to replace the bolt.
If the head gasket is damaged, the engine will quickly overheat and serious damage will be caused. Overheating in the engine of your car will lead to a loss of compression, the mixing of oil, water, coolant as well as a reduction in lubrication.
Yes, if the valve cover gasket is leaking, oil can leak down into the recesses where the spark plugs live, soak the rubber boots from the coil, and cause the plugs to misfire. If severe, considerable misfiring and stalling can result.
The reason behind this is: once the gasket is heat cycled, the embossments will not spring back to where they were originally. In a mock-up situation, it is perfectly acceptable to install, check clearances and reuse the gasket.
No matter how small a crack is found, the valve should not be reused. Having the correct dimensional specs to measure the valves` stems is just as important as having the right measuring equipment. Depending on the application, the valve stem may be tapered, so where the stem is measured can affect the results.
Gasket materials typically remain in storage for several months, sometimes years, before they are used.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Valve cover replacement? 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
ANSWER : Hi there – manufacturers are using plastic for valve covers, intake manifolds, and other engine components more and more often for weight and expense savings. Unfortunately, with repeated heat cycles, some of these plastics become brittle, or warp and won’t seal properly. You may very well need to replace the valve covers for this reason, but it should not happen again during the life of your vehicle. For assistance, I would recommend a valve cover gasket replacement by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, and repair this problem.
Read Full Q/A … : Valve cover replacement? 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
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 … : Valve cover replacement? 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
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.
Read Full Q/A … : Valve cover replacement? 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
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.
Read Full Q/A … : Valve cover replacement? 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
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.
Read Full Q/A … : Valve cover replacement? 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
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.
Read Full Q/A … : Valve cover replacement? 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
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.
Read Full Q/A … : Valve cover replacement? 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
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.
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