Replacing valve cover gaskets 2001 Aurora 4.0 V8

[athex]

I was at a mechanic today and they pointed to the valve cover gaskets being bad, and wanted $740 to replace them. I thought this was a bit high.

So I was wondering if anyone has found a writeup/information on how difficult these are to replace. I found a lot of information on the pricing ($70-$80 for the part) but not any writeups on how to replace these for the 4.0

I found this writeup on changing them for the 3.5 v6:
www.justanswer.com/oldsmobile/4of2n-oldsmobile-aurora-change-rear-valve-cover-gasket.html

Any help would be appreciated! Thank you!

[Marc]

The most important thing to remember for this is the torque for the valve cover gasket bolts.....89 inch pounds.
When removing the valve covers, the right side (against the firewall) comes off easily. But for the left side (facing the radiator),
the water pump pulley & a seal in back of it have to be removed. You need a puller for that. Then the left side cover can come off.

[athex]

Thanks for the information, it sounds pretty easy to do, just will take some time!
I guess I will get the parts and replace these when I do my spark plugs (getting around 90,000 miles now)

[oldwino]

After the water pump pulley is removed, there is also a camshaft seal that needs to be removed. Has 3 bolts in it and the FSM says not to reuse it. Don't know if it comes with the gasket kit or not. The torque for them is 27 inch pounds.

[athex]

One more question, is there any sealant you need to put on these gaskets, or are they dry-fit?

[oldwino]

FSM doesn't say anything about using any sealant on the gaskets. It does recommend sealant "GM P/N 1052080 or equivalent" be used on the 3 cam seal bolts.

[athex]

Thanks Oldwino!

[BNICOV]

I just had mine done last week. It's a fair sized job, the water pump pulley is a bugger to get off without cracking it. Also, the EGR valve has to come off on the back of the engine and the back valve cover is tricky to reach some of the bolts. If you are due for spark plugs, this is the time to get them done.

[ntrenn]

The Fel-pro set I used came with everything - spark plug seals, cam seal, the whole 9 yards. Still have the front half to do if it ever starts seeping.

Yes - dry fit is the operative term.

[athex]

Thanks for the help I think I am going to buy the fel-pro kit and give it a shot. At very least I can do one side (without the pump pulley) if that is too difficult to remove.

[BNICOV]

Usually it's the back bank that leaks, so the front where the pulley is might be ok. If it's leaking as well, then it'll have to come off too. That, you may want to leave to your mechanic since you need a pulley puller to do it and it takes some skill. The Fel-Pro kit is the way to go, everything you need is in it.

[ntrenn]

And why is it that the rear bank leaks? That's what I had, so I have a half a kit waiting for the front to leak - or the rear to leak again....if I don't misplace it in the meantime.

[BNICOV]

Why the rear bank?? I don't know. It just seems to be the one that is leaky. However, the spark plug gaskets leaked on my front as well a little bit.

[athex]

Well it looks like this is the weekend for the change, I may take some pictures and post them here to help others doing this work as I do it.

[BNICOV]

Remember to pull all the spark plugs out and wipe off any oil in the plug wells. Good luck!

[athex]

Thanks for the reminder, I am actually planning on replacing the spark plugs with new ones since I am in there. I got some bosch plat+ir ones for a pretty good price and they have decent reviews.

[ntrenn]

Apr 8, 2011 13:41:18 GMT -6 athex said:

Thanks for the reminder, I am actually planning on replacing the spark plugs with new ones since I am in there. I got some bosch plat+ir ones for a pretty good price and they have decent reviews.

Take them back and get your money back. The AC Delco 41-987 (whatever comes in the box) or Denso PT16EPR-C13 (original factory number) or the equivalent NGK all have good service records. We have yet to see a Bosch plug last properly in these cars.

You will not be unhappy with the AC Delco parts - regardless of what comes in the box. (70,000 on the current set in the car)

Another little Bosch goodie - German company that is owned by a 'trust' that pays little to no taxes and reports next to nothing publicly.

[ntrenn]

When you get in there, it should look something like this.


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[tipsymcstager]

Apr 8, 2011 17:15:45 GMT -6 ntrenn said:

Apr 8, 2011 13:41:18 GMT -6 athex said:

Thanks for the reminder, I am actually planning on replacing the spark plugs with new ones since I am in there. I got some bosch plat+ir ones for a pretty good price and they have decent reviews.

Take them back and get your money back. The AC Delco 41-987 (whatever comes in the box) or Denso PT16EPR-C13 (original factory number) or the equivalent NGK all have good service records. We have yet to see a Bosch plug last properly in these cars.

You will not be unhappy with the AC Delco parts - regardless of what comes in the box. (70,000 on the current set in the car)

Another little Bosch goodie - German company that is owned by a 'trust' that pays little to no taxes and reports next to nothing publicly.

good call there ntrenn!
can't understand why parts counter people sell Bosch plugs to folks with american cars!!
seem the heat range for them plugs is never right for any car made outside of europe or japan!

[trey1475]

Please take picture... I actually need to do this pretty soon. Let us know how it goes.