Valve cover gasket: design, function and replacement

When the valve cover gasket comes into malfunction, car owners should prepare for big troubles. The matter is that the given spare part provides absolute tightness to the engine. Therefore, as soon as the gasket loses its sealing properties, the motor starts to flow.

What is it?

This part can be seen right after you opened the hood. The purpose of this element is to seal the throat of the gas distribution mechanism (so that oil does not penetrate unnecessary places). The same cover is attached to several bolts or nuts.

A manufactured gasket valve cover VAZ made of special rubber, which does not lose its properties, even with prolonged heating. However, there is nothing eternal in the world, and even such material loses its elastic properties over time.

Why not postpone the replacement for later?

As already noted above, the failed valve cover gasket can lead to serious consequences. And it all starts with the fact that the oil on the head of the block will gradually get through the cracks formed in the rubber. It seems at first glance nothing serious, but in fact even a few milliliters of leaked liquid can lead to many parts and mechanisms out of order. The fact is that oil attracts to itself a thick layer of road dust, and it, in turn, is not the best "guest" in the engine compartment.

Therefore, if you find the slightest leakage, do not hesitate to replace it. And you can change this part in a few minutes, and without the use of special tools. Below we consider how the valve cover gasket "Ford" and VAZ changes.

First we will prepare the necessary tools. For work, we need to have several milliliters of gasoline (or any other means that eliminates fatty streaks), motor sealant and, of course, a new gasket.

Then you can start working. First, we dismantle the old part. To do this, remove the body of the air cleaner and unscrew the fixing nuts. Now we have free access to the gasket. We throw out the old part and install a new one in its place. It is important to remember that before installation, the valve cover gasket should be treated with sealant from both sides. One more thing. If you find traces of old sealant on the place of contact between the cylinder head and cover, clean them and degrease the surface. Next, we put the new part in place, cover it with a lid and tighten the necessary bolts.

As you can see, the replacement process is not very difficult. However, even here some car owners manage to make a mistake. So that you will not come across similar things, we will give below a small list of things to which you should pay special attention.

1. First, do not buy cheap gaskets. They can crack even before the period of operation begins.
2. Secondly, do not skimp on the sealant. Apply it with even and continuous parts along the entire perimeter of the part.
3. Third, carefully watch the bolts. They do not need to be tightened or tightened too much.