How easy is it to replace the valve cover gaskets? How long would it take? Would I need any special tools? Are there other things I should take care of while I'm replacing the valve cover gaskets? The odometer just rolled over 188,000.

Thanks alot.

 

Just did mine this passed weekend. If you want to do the cam seals it will take alot longer and you will need a special tool. If you just want to do the rubber gaskets that goes around the perimeter and the center gaskets for the spark plugs it won't take you long at all. You just got move the air box and the coolant tank out of the way to pull them out. If you have oil in the spark plugs you may want to change them.

 

great, sounds good. Im looking at some valve cover gaskets on drivewire.com, and they run about $15.00 does that sound about right?

 

i bought a kit for both sides and the cam seals it was about 75 bucks. i just don't have the special tool to change the cam seals.

 

Nice site actually least expensive I have seen (I have a drip on the driver's side that hits the exhaust man. and smokes a bit). I do not see the one for $15 though...the cheapest I see there is $27.40 per side.

 

I have been having the same problem with mine. I have been tring a few different things. We cleaned out the breather hoses thinking it maybe building pressure but its still doing it. Tomorrow I am taking the cover back off and putting some RTV on it and hoping it seals it up.

 

Let me know how that works out for you..being a DIY kinda guy I think I will try the same on Sunday. We'll compair notes after and see if we fixed it

 

Chances are the gasket change will fix the leaks. The VC gaskets get baked by engine heat and basically turn into plastic. New ones in my experience fix it every time. Be sure to thoroughly clean/sand the mating surfaces so you get a good seal.

OP and anyone else with a 12v V6 (96-97 models), when you take off the valve covers, flip them over and look on the underside. You should see a metal mesh piece there like a fine cheese grater. That's a PCV scrubber. They get clogged up with oil vapor and various crap. Gently pry them off, and the ones underneath them (note the orientation so you put them back in the same positions). Soak them in a small pan of Seafoam for 10 minutes or so (completely clean the underside of the valve covers while they soak), then wire brush them until they are shining and clean, then reassemble them onto the valve covers and put the engine back together. Doesn't take long but it can make a good difference in the functionality and ease of breathing for the PCV system.