How long do I have to re-seal valve covers?

[Kiven422]

So I just did an oil change but this morning I checked my oil on level ground (actually in the middle of the street) and it was below the LOW marking.

I know this is due to the VC oil leak... but I have never had to top it off until this morning.

I bought the car last year today @ 153k miles and today I have 184k miles... I drive a lot. So my question is... how much longer do I have to reseal the covers? And if I don't?

[Q45tech]

Eventually the oil will coat exhaust header covers, precats, and O2 sensors.

We have never seen a fire but most reseal them due to SMELL and clouds of smoke.

[qship96]

Wow, that sounds like more than the typical weeping that occurs from failed valvecover gaskets- are you sure it is not leaking elsewhere also?I would check the oil pressure sender area along with every other seal/gasketed part.

My valvecovers weeped for a few years, only during cold winter conditions,and it never got worse or showed any drop in oil level on the dipstick....finally had T3 reseal them along with the plug change.

At the level you are going thru oil, I would think it requires immediate diagnosis and attention!

[goody90q45]

We have never seen a fire but most reseal them due to SMELL and clouds of smoke.

Once winter sets in and you start driving with your windows rolled up you'll wish you were wearing an airline respirator while you drive. It will only get worse as the layer of oil thickens.

[Kiven422]

I still havent put the new shocks on.

I was planning on getting the whole $900 kit since i need to catch up on some maintenance but I just never have time.

I plan on going up to Sacramento this friday so my friends can help me put the shocks on maybe ill get around to resealing the valves too.

[maxnix]

If you are going of VC gaskets, think about plugs, IAC, TB and EGR valve cleaning which means gaskets for them also.

[sdkhalsa]

I would second the suggestion about checking the oil pressure sending unit. This can blow out some serious quantities of oil. Are you seeing a puddle on the ground left of center about two-thirds of the way back towards the firewall?

[S13Flame]

Man finding valve cover gaskets for a Y-33 is starting to get hard. Wonder who has a set available that is not dealer pricing....

[maxnix]

Why would you not want OEM?

Great Service and Great Price make Joe the guy.

http://www.infinitipartsusa.com

[S13Flame]

yeah $435 come on that is atrocious.....hell my valve cover gaskets for my boxster was alot less...

[maxnix]

yeah $435 come on that is atrocious.....hell my valve cover gaskets for my boxster was alot less...

Mine were $20 - $30 each. Don't know what you are reading.

[Q45denver]

Only need a tube of RTV for 1993 and older.

[maxnix]

Only need a tube of RTV for 1993 and older.

Actually, even teh later VH require a dab here and there.

[Drake57]

Only need a tube of RTV for 1993 and older.

Is this the straight skinny? I want to reseal my VC, and have seen kits with some half moon shaped rubber plugs, o rings and RTV. I'd like to know what is really necessary.

Thanks, Drake.

[Raxephon]

If you're careful about it you can fill the gap in on later model valve covers with RTV and seal them to the head with just RTV .

You will still need the half moons and seals for the sparkplugs though.

[Drake57]

Thank you.

[maxnix]

The half moons are integral to the VC gaskets. You must have new as they deteriorate and harden over time. Retorquing the old gaskets is an invitation to stripping the threads as the torque specifications assume the suppleness of the VC gasket as new.

Also, although it's never been mentioned, there are rubber grommets integral to the VC washers. Mine are old, hard and deformed. A new set of 32(?) is about $120. I don't see how using the old ones is very good unless they are installed in the esact same location, and even then, they have lost all their elasticity.

Might be the day to call Joe for the current 5% discount and before the prices increase to reflect the Yen's recent 20% appreciation.