Should I Seafoam...

[300sx]

I am looking to replace my valve cover gasket in a few weeks because it is leaking from all sides. Should I use seafoam prior to replacing the gasket? Would be wise to do so since it'll clean the internals and what not.

Just needs some suggestions.

Also, is it easy like everyone else says to replace the gasket? I've searched and a lot of people are saying its a 30 min job. I have never touched an engine in my life . It'll be the first time for me to open up any engine compartment. Which tools will I need to do this and will i need to remove the hood of the car since one of the bolts are near the firewall.

And what is the best method to clean the outer side of the engine where the leaks are?

Thanks

oh btw..its a '98 240sx with 165k miles

[youngun21a]

You shouldn't have to seafoam it but it's up to u,the valve cover shouldn't take that long to remove and install the gasket and no you don't have to remove the hood,you have enough room to get the bolt by the firewall,it's a 10mm socket,should also change the spark plug gasket it comes with the top valve cover gasket. it will be a great learning experiance.

[94_240sx]

I am looking to replace my valve cover gasket in a few weeks because it is leaking from all sides. Should I use seafoam prior to replacing the gasket? Would be wise to do so since it'll clean the internals and what not.

Those 2 are not related, so you can seafoam it later or before.

Also, is it easy like everyone else says to replace the gasket? I've searched and a lot of people are saying its a 30 min job. I have never touched an engine in my life . It'll be the first time for me to open up any engine compartment. Which tools will I need to do this and will i need to remove the hood of the car since one of the bolts are near the firewall.

I can give you some tips on this.- Get an FSM(Factory Service Manual) and follow the steps when you tighten the bolts.- Follow Torque Spec- Buy black RTV and use it on half moon area- No need to remove hood

And what is the best method to clean the outer side of the engine where the leaks are?

Try brake cleaner. Works like a charm. Or any degreaser should work too.

[300sx]

Thanks for the tips!

[Loki]

Don't most people advice you to really rev it when Seafoaming? I don't think you'd want to be doing that if your gasket isn't so great.

[gumby74]

I personally use a stubby ratchet when messing with any of the covers that bolt to aluminum. This helps prevent me from over-tightening the bolts which is very easily done.Use a 6" wobble extension and a 10mm socket. Also keep a telescoping magnet close by.Don't be afraid of taking advantage of your local Pick a Part. Whenever I am going to do something that I am unfamiliar with, I read up on the process, then head on over to a junkyard and work out the technique. It helps to practice on the same car, but a similar vehicle will still be insightful.Plus you don't have to worry about screwing up.

[NismoRacer34]

you might want to check into why your valve cover gasket is leaking from all over. maybe the pcv valve is bad

[94_240sx]

you might want to check into why your valve cover gasket is leaking from all over. maybe the pcv valve is bad

If that's the culprit, you got a problem. PCV valve is not easy to get to and replace.

[300sx]

ok maybe i exaggerated a little with the leaking everywhere...here are some pics...



this is where i first started to notice it was leaking..the back near the firewall





could it be the gasket or a PCV problem?