Best Prices for Valve Cover Gasket Replacement
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How much does Valve Cover Gasket Replacement cost?
It depends on the type of car you drive and the auto repair shop you go to. Our mechanics are mobile, which means they don't have the overhead that repair shops have. They provide you convenience by coming to your home or office.
Valve Cover Gasket Replacement pricing for various cars
| Cars | Estimate | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Savings | Average Dealer Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Mazda Tribute | $188 | $41.63 | $145.99 | -25% | $149.13 |
| 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 | $233 | $28.70 | $204.38 | -30% | $179.20 |
| 2015 Volvo S80 | $1575 | $173.36 | $1401.50 | -30% | $1205.36 |
| 2013 Cadillac Escalade | $245 | $40.22 | $204.38 | -28% | $190.72 |
| 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | $1430 | $101.21 | $1328.50 | -32% | $1079.46 |
| 2009 Jaguar XF | $1021 | $233.15 | $788.34 | -25% | $813.65 |
Valve Cover Gasket Replacement Service
What is a Valve Cover Gasket & What Does it Do?
Each cylinder head on your car’s engine has an aluminum or plastic valve cover bolted to it. Between this valve cover and the cylinder head, there is a gasket that keeps engine oil from leaking out. The valve cover bolts keep the gasket compressed, thus preventing leaks. Over time the gasket becomes brittle from the engine’s heat or the bolts loosen, creating an engine oil leak.
Is it Safe to Drive with a Bad Valve Cover Gasket?
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.
If you notice oil leaking onto the ground beneath your car after it is parked, you do not have a small leak, and it needs to be found and repaired as soon as possible. Any leak, of course, means your oil level is dropping as you drive the car. If you have a leak, be sure to check your oil more frequently than usual so you do not run low on oil and damage the engine.
When Should the Valve Cover Gasket Be Replaced?
Look for these signs of oil leakage at the valve cover gasket:
- Oil seepage or dripping: Should the joint between the valve cover and the cylinder head fail, oil often becomes visible on the valve cover or cylinder heads. Usually, the oil will attract and hold dirt.
- Oil accumulating inside the spark plug well: The spark plug tube seals are part of the valve cover sealing system. If the tube seals are leaking, you will see oil on the spark plugs or wires. The valve cover gasket and tube seals are all replaced at one time if either fails.
- Oil leakage at the rubber grommets: The bolts holding the valve cover to the cylinder head sometimes have rubber grommet seals under the bolt heads. If these seals are leaking, you will see oil seepage around the bolt heads.
If you find any of these oil leaks, you’ll likely need to replace the valve cover gasket
How Much Does Valve Cover Gasket Replacement Cost?
The cost of replacing a valve cover gasket can vary depending on several factors such as the make and model of the vehicle, labor rates, and whether additional parts or repairs are needed.
On average, the cost typically ranges from $200 to $600, including parts and labor. However, prices may be higher for luxury or performance vehicles, or if there are complications during the repair process.
How Does YourMechanic Replace a Valve Cover Gasket?
- Remove engine cover: Some engines have plastic covers over the entire top. The plastic engine cover is removed to access the valve cover(s).
- Remove components: On 4 cylinder engines, the valve cover is usually readily accessed once any electrical components and emission control tubing are removed, plus any accelerator linkages that might be in the way. On 6 or 8 cylinder engines, depending on which valve cover gasket is leaking, removal of the air intake plenum might be required, as well as additional steps.
- Remove valve cover: Once the valve cover(s) is accessed, the cover retaining bolts are removed and the cover pulled off. The valve cover sealing surface is checked with a straight edge to be sure the cover is flat and thus reusable.
- Install new gasket: The new valve cover gasket is applied along with new rubber grommets under the retaining bolt heads. If there are spark plug tube seals, these are replaced as well. In some applications, oil resistant RTV (room temperature vulcanization) sealant must be applied to specific segments of the sealing surface, along with the new gasket, to ensure a complete and effective seal. The cover is bolted back on, using a calibrated inch pound torque wrench, and all other components are restored to their original position.
- Check for leaks: Finally, the car engine is run and a visual check is made for oil leaks.
How Long Does the Valve Cover Gasket Last?
The lifespan of a valve cover gasket can vary depending on factors such as the material quality, engine type, driving conditions, and maintenance practices. Generally, a valve cover gasket can last from 20,000 to 50,000 miles or more under normal driving conditions. However, it's still essential to monitor for signs of a bad valve cover gasket. Regular inspection and maintenance can help extend the lifespan of the valve cover gasket and prevent potential issues.
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