Removing Valve Cover

[TaylorGang]

Hola.. 98 GSX my engine runs very good. Good mods. Fast. But the problem is when i open my hood to impress people my damn valve cover is filthy. I want to remove it and give it a nice bath. Someone help me out here. If i remove it id have to replace the gasket right?

 

[LiquidX]

Only if it's the spark plug seal gaskets. The only other way for oil to enter the spark plug well is either oil blowing out from somewhere and managing to drip into it or you have a massive leak that fills the valley and pours into the plug well. The drain hole would have to be clogged for that to happen however.

 

[forzarallyOZ]

Just go ahead and spend the extra bucks and get a new one. Does not hurt. Don't overtighten your bolts as well.

 

[Wobet]

Only if it's the spark plug seal gaskets. The only other way for oil to enter the spark plug well is either oil blowing out from somewhere and managing to drip into it or you have a massive leak that fills the valley and pours into the plug well. The drain hole would have to be clogged for that to happen however.

Well it doesn't look like a huge leak, it doesnt even drip into the plugs. It it around the rubber at the very top of the plug wires. Made it stick in there pretty tight

 

[hgould521]

go with a new gasket it never hurts to replace a gasket and my old faithful buddy right stuff is awesome too for quick fixes. comes in a little can and works wonderful.

 

[THEevo8urV8]

ill make it easy for you buy a newgasket 20 buck buy the full vale cover gasket kit at autoparts store near you. put some rtv in the corners and call it a day. DONT putthe old one back on trust me it will cause more hassle than needed.

 

[Bud92gsx]

I know this has been coverd but It's only a bunch of 10 mm bolts and the pcv valve..Its like a 20 min job if you are cluless as to what you are doing..

 

[dsmTripp]

you are correct, the manual calls for rtv on the corners of the cam towers and that is all.

i work on aircraft and it is a standard procedure to replace any rubber gaskets everytime you open its higher assembly.

I too am an aircraft mechanic and completely agree with changing out gaskets. Best way to make sure a questionable gasket or oring doesn't fail in the future.

 

[SubversionX]

You should almost always replace the gasket when removing the valve cover. You could always clean and sandblast your valve cover and then have it high temp painted or preferably powdercoated. If you're certain that your valve cover is cracked and you're looking for a new one, Ebay has some pre-powdercoated in an array of colors that you can select from; I think that these are going for about $70.00 or so but I'm not sure. Just search for: 4g63 valve cover

 

[avenged5]

Better idea. How about degreasing your entire engine bay. It really improves the look and is very easy to do.

 

[Wobet]

Better idea. How about degreasing your entire engine bay. It really improves the look and is very easy to do.

Spray and wipe? Or is i even easier

 

[avenged5]

Spray and wipe? Or is i even easier

Well my way you have not only a clean valve cover but a clean everything else. All you really need is to cover a few things, spray the degreaser and let it soak, and scrub it down with a toilet brush. Then spray it off.

 

[Wobet]

Well my way you have not only a clean valve cover but a clean everything else. All you really need is to cover a few things, spray the degreaser and let it soak, and scrub it down with a toilet brush. Then spray it off.

I was actually wondering about this. If I was cleaning under the hood. Would it hurt to hose it down? Not to much pressure. Just a spray around the inner wheel well, the strut towers, engine block. (avoiding the filter/blocking all possible water intrusions.)

 

[avenged5]

I usually tie a plastic bag over my air filter and cover my breather filter. Cover my alternator (just to be safe) and get to scrubbing. Then spray it off.

 

[ChiTownHussla]

Ya, how does one clean up engine bay? degrease it or whatever? step by steps p###!!