Would you replace valve gaskets if??

[jmpSHO2nd]

So I have to remove my rear exhaust manifold on my ATX and I know it's an easier job with the intake out of the way. After a quick look it doesn't look like my valve cover gaskets are leaking and my plug well seals are dry (they were last replaced at around 180k and it now has 313k, I have replaced plugs and wires since then though, I think around 260k). I am do for an upper 60k and I definately need to change my plugs because I am installing nitrous. My plan was to just change the plugs and wires and valve cover grommets if after I remove the intake everything looks dry. Would any of you guys do the same or would you guys go all the way and replace the valve cover gaskets and plug well seals if they were not leaking??

 

[lowc]

maybe throw some ultra black on them just to be safe

 

[jmpSHO2nd]

maybe throw some ultra black on them just to be safe

I wasn't planning on removing the valve covers, if I did that I would definately replace the gaskets.

 

[luigisho]

Upper 60k includes checking valve shims. That would require valve cover removal. If the covers were coming off I would replace the gaskets at that time. If you are not going to remove the valve covers then it ain't broke so don't fix it.

 

[hawkeye18]

Saying valve cover gasket replacement is easier with the intake off is like saying replacing a tire is easier if you take the wheel off the car.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Next! :theyareontome:

 

[jmpSHO2nd]

Saying valve cover gasket replacement is easier with the intake off is like saying replacing a tire is easier if you take the wheel off the car.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Next! :theyareontome:

I was only removing the intake because I need to replace the rear exhaust manifold so I figured while I was in there I would change the plugs and wires because the plugs need to be changed for the nitrous.

I may end up just replacing all the gaskets anyways but if it looks dry I may as well leave it along like you said.

It's weird I have alot of miles on it but nothing really leaks. I did the timing belt at 180k and the water pump looked fine and I still haven't replaced it yet. As far as I know it's the original water pump.

 

[rubydist]

as I understand what you have said, the v.c. gaskets have nearly 150k miles on them. they need to be changed.

 

[jmpSHO2nd]

as I understand what you have said, the v.c. gaskets have nearly 150k miles on them. they need to be changed.

They have about 130k on them but I am pretty sure they are not leaking.

 

[luigisho]

You're putting nitrous on a 313k motor? use the gasket money for new bearings and replacement motor fund.

 

[jmpSHO2nd]

You're putting nitrous on a 313k motor? use the gasket money for new bearings and replacement motor fund.

I already did the bearings about 18 months ago and if the motor goes then it goes I'm not too concerned about killing the motor. Also it's not the money for the gaskets I'm concerned with I just hate doing extra work if it's not needed. I just wanted a few opinions on what other people would do in this situation.

I work on cars everyday and I hate working on my own.

 

[luigisho]

If you want to save extra work then maybe fresh seals on top isn't a bad idea. If you're going to up the pressure you might end up going back in. With the intake off everything is already right there. So a little extra time and money up front or potentially more time same money later. Coin flip.
Just don't snap the soft aluminum vc bolts with too much torque. It doen't take much at all.

 

[SHOtimer]

as I understand what you have said, the v.c. gaskets have nearly 150k miles on them. they need to be changed.

My thoughts exactly.

Sure, they arn't leaking now....but how long will it take? You can replace it all now and know it is good for a long time. Or not change them now...and have them start leaking in 5-10k. Then you'd wish you would have changed them.

Doug

 

[hawkeye18]

If you do replace the valve cover gaskets, go ahead and chip in for a new set of valve cover grommets from SHOSource. Your spark plug well tube seals will thank you.

 

[jmpSHO2nd]

Ok well I appreciate everyones responses and I decided to replace the gaskets. I am in the process of ordering everything from SHO Source as I type this.