MR_JLR

The valve cover gasket is leaking on the passenger side, ever so slightly...I've NEVER changed valve cover gaskets before so I'm a bit timid of doing it myself but want to try and knock it out this weekend or next. Anything special I need to know? Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you in advance!

MR_JLR

Nobody has changed their valve cover gaskets? Interestng

irok

you shouldn't have much trouble changing.leave the plug wires on at the plug end.the plug wires can be damaged removing them.try turning plug wire at coil end to make sure they are unseated before pulling on them.you may consider changing them at this time depending on mileage.I always carry a few new wires with me and wouldn't remove a wire without having them with me.

2k Cobra

^ What he said + Make sure you use a torque wrench to tighten the valve cover bolts as they can strip easily in the aluminum head.

MR_JLR

Ok so the leak is back on the passenger side, not as bad as before yet. Are the valve covers a known issue on the C6?

SUB VETTE

Have you tried re torquing the valve cover bolts? Could be a bolt has loosened. As to a C6 issue, not to my knowledge.

MR_JLR

I actually didn't. When would be the ideal time to re-tighten? After cool down? First thing in the morning?

Breze84

Re-tighten anytime is fine. The TQ spec for the bolts are 106 inch lbs... Make sure you have that and you should have no problem. Never guess when tightening. Always use a tq wrench...

SUB VETTE

I'd re torque when cold.

timd38

Cold is best. Don't forget inch pounds!

MR_JLR

Thanks for the responses, will re-tighten first thing in the morning then go for a joy ride

cclive

MR_JLR

Ok so re-torqued around 5am, been driving around, still slightly seeping under the actual valve cover gasket. They are Felpro for what it's worth. Is there a pcv valve to check, or how do i go about checking crankcase pressure? Right now just going to go buy new gaskets and see if that works, if not then new valve cover(comes with new gasket i believe.)

cclive

You might want to give it just a bit more time...the gasket is soaked and as you squeeze it more by retorquing, some oil will squeeze out and appear as a continued leak.

MR_JLR

Got it, thank you. I'll hold off for the week before just ordering a new cover/gasket. In my head I'm thinking the LS7 exhaust manifolds I put on may be putting out too much heat but I have no clue. Thanks for the response.


Also I noticed my oil filler cap has a tiny bit of play, would that have any effect on the leak?

cclive

I wouldn't worry about the exhaust manifold. Unless the oil filler is where the leak is coming from, it shouldn't be contributing to the problem.

MR_JLR

got it, thanks. Now playing the waiting game.

victorf

After I reworked my OEM valve covers, although my car has low miles, went ahead and changed out all the gaskets (four under the four cover bolts + the cover) with OEM gaskets:



Few years now. No leaks and I don't expect any leaks.

FYI: modern OEM synthetic valve cover gasket doesn't soak oil. If there is still leak, after dissembled, cleaned and retorqued - something else is causing the leak!

MR_JLR

Nice engine bay, thanks for the info as well.

MR_JLR

Just updating for future references. Re-torquing did not work. I ordered valve covers from another forum member, will post results after received and installed.