leaking valve covers

[mcquack]

My 95 seems to be leaking from the valve covers. I am somewhat mechanical. Is this something I should attempt by myself. If not can anyone recommend anyone in Southern Michigan or near the Toledo area. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Ishodu]

Usually when you find leaking valve covers its time for a 60K. If you search 60K you will find out tonnes of info on what should be replaced and what items to use.
You can get the valve cover gaskets and plug well seals in a felpro kit from a aftermarket auto parts store for around $80 IIRC. Its not a very hard job to do. If you search you will find many guides to tell you how to go about it.

 

[mcquack]

I just purchased the vehicle with 176,000 + miles. Any way to tell whether the 60K was done or not?

 

[Ishodu]

Well usually if your valve covers are leaking its a sign its not been done.

 

[Cobraii976]

Give me a call I can help you out.
810-618-6135

 

[luigisho]

This is something you can do yourself. The best advice I can give you is don't overtighten the valve cover bolts. They are very weak and will snap off easily. The threaded holes they fit into are weak material as well. Take your time and snug is good, very tight is bad. Get yourself an upper seal set and go for it.

 

[rangerj]

If you are going to replace the valve cover gaskets you may as well replace the plug well seals, clean the intake runners, replace the intake gaskets, check the valve clearances and the condition of the valve shims.

If there is oil in the plug wells the spark plugs and the ignition wires should be replaced.

Search for the 60K instructions and get the torque specifications for the intake manifold bolts, spark plugs, valve cover bolts, and anything else you remove.

 

[Jonny Cash]

When I went to the parts store, they woudnt even sell the feelpro gaskets as a whole.
It all came in one set. Valve cover gaskets.plug well seals,and plenum gasket.cost me 150 w/ tax. "ouch" When it comes apart,might as well do the valve shims also. Wont cost you as much as those damn gaskets.

 

[TimboSHO]

There are lots of knowledgable people in southeast michigan. If you don't want to tackle it, there are plenty of us there that wouldn't mind. 60Ks are a good time had by all. BTW, i did the valve cover gaskets right after getting my car, and it's the first time i've really torn into an engine like that. It took an evening, and it was worth it.