Valve Cover – also called a rocker cover – is a vital component of the engine; it’s a plastic or metal component that is bolted to the top of the cylinder head. The gap between the valve cover and the cylinder head is sealed by a valve cover gasket. The whole setup keeps oil inside the engine, which is important to the engine’s overall health and performance.

Your valve cover gasket and seals will naturally break down over time. | The majority of today’s valve cover gaskets and seals last up to 60,000 miles provided that oil changes aren’t delayed. | When a check engine light on it might mean there’s an oil leak in the valve cover gasket, hence oil may have caused damage to your ignition.

Open the hood and take off the engine cover. | Remove valve cover bolts. | Check your manual’s recommended torque sequence. | Part of the valve cover can be sealed by silicone RTV; if so remove silicone RTV entirely. | Perform this procedure backwards. | Finish the repair with a test drive and check your oil dipstick to ensure appropriate oil level.

Loose or broken valve covers cause oil to leak out and it’s a vital service to avoid extreme engine wear. Without enough oil, there’s excess friction between the fast moving parts and significant break down of parts, leading to potentially expensive damage.