Whenever mechanical parts of the car are in motion, its engine needs constant heated oil lubrication. Basically, the engine valve cover keeps oil inside the engine by making a tight seal. But, when the valve cover gasket is damaged or leaky, oil can flow out, which means reduced lubrication and increased wear and tear. So, be alert for the warning signals of a leaky valve cover gasket and get it fixed without delay.
Engine Valve Gasket Cover Overview
The engine and valve cover are connected by either a rubber, plastic, or cork gasket. It is called a rocker cover or valve gasket cover. It basically locks the oil inside the engine to prevent leakage low oil level. The gasket cover also prevents oil from touching the cylinder head and thus keeps protection from dirt getting between the pistons and the cylinder. If the seal on the valve cover becomes defective, oil can easily leak out of the engine. This causes friction and shortens the life of the engine. The oil leak could also hurt other sensitive engine parts, which would affect how well it runs and cost a lot to fix.
Signs of a Broken or Loose Valve Cover
If the 6.7 cummins valve cover is cracked, pinched, or loose, oil could leak out and cause the engine damage. The following signs can point to a faulty valve cover:
- Oil leaks
Sometimes oil leaks don’t show up as black pools on the garage floor. To figure out if your valve cover needs to be fixed or changed, you’ll usually have to examine it carefully as some of them might be too small to see.
- Lack of Oil in the Engine
The engine may run out of oil, which can cause friction and raise the temperature. This can eventually cause the engine to break down or catch fire.
- Smells like Burning Oil
If there are oil leaks in your car, they can get to the fuel intake, cylinder head, or other hot engine parts. This can make the car smell like burning oil and make excessive smoke.
- Greasy Valve Cover
If the valve cover is dirty or oily, it’s another strong sign that the cover gasket is broken or leaky. The valve cover seal should be checked whenever the valve cover looks dirty.
- Misfires and a Rough-Running Engine
If the engine isn’t properly oiled, it might not run easily, and oil leaks can get to the spark plugs and cause misfires. Sometimes, engine oil that is lit on fire can also cause the car to catch fire.
- Check the Engine Light On
The check engine light can tell several issues, like a defective valve cover seal that lets oil leak out and the engine gets hot. If the check engine light comes on, you should check the valve cover seal right away.
Why a Faulty Valve Cover Is a Big Problem for Your Engine?
The engine will finally break down on its own if there isn’t enough oil in it. To be more specific, you’ll notice excessive engine wear and overheating. There is too much pressure between the moving parts that should be well-oiled if there isn’t enough oil. That hurts the engine parts and will break them in the end. Moreover, not only does oil keep the parts in your engine cool, but it also keeps them from getting too hot. The engine will get too hot if there isn’t enough oil.
Basically, a valve cover that leaks causes major engine problems.
Replacement Guide
Changing a valve cover seal is pretty easy, but the steps can be different for each engine. Most of the time, the toughest part is reaching to the engine valve cover.
Step 1: Tighten the valve cover bolts down slowly or use a torque wrench before taking everything apart. After fixing, check the oil level.
Step 2: Let the engine cool down. There were a lot of pipes in the way of this turbocharged car. Take off the PCV lines, wires, spark plug brackets, and any other parts that are in the way. Take off the bolts that hold the valve cover on.
Step 3: Take the valve cover off. To release the hold of the valve cover, tap on it with a rubber mallet. Make sure you don’t drop anything into the engine.
Step 4: Remove the old cover and put on the new one. If scrapping is needed, metal scrapers should not be used on aluminum valve covers. Instead, use plastic to keep nicks from causing leaks.
Step 5: Only put silicone where it’s needed. Silicone or sealer shouldn’t be used unless the service manual or gasket directions say so.
Step 6: Put the valve cover back on with the new gasket and tighten the bolts to the right level of force. You don’t have to twist valve cover bolts too much.
Install a SPELAB Valve Cover
Install a valve cover and elevate your engine’s performance to the next level. Our high-end aluminum valve covers look sleek and expensive while still being affordable. These covers are strong and lightweight, made from 6061 T6 sheet aluminum that will last a longer time. They have a higher profile to allow for different valvetrain setups. Upgrade your car parts and see the difference that SPELAB quality makes.
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