Y33: valve cover gasket replacement

[bullittandy]

1997 Q45Seems that I have leaking valve cover gasket(s). During my daily undercarriage inspections (I check underneath before I start my car ) I noticed oil stains at the back of the covers which I intended to ignore (because I hate my Q and want it and myself to suffer ) but the oil now leaks onto the exhaust downpipe which I also would have ignored but the smell from the oil burning makes it directly into the HVAC fresh air duct.

Now, has anybody replaced the valve cover gaskets on a 97+ Q?

Was it hard?

Are they gaskets or sealant?

Anyhting else that should be replaced?

Thanks Nico!

P.S. Hope you like my jokes above.

[Falkdesigns]

I am also in need of this for my Q. By the book, it's 3.5 hours for a mechanic with every tool at his disposal. Not sure wether I'm going to attempt this at home, or just bite the bullitt

[elwesso]

Is that 3.5 for ONE side, or for BOTH sides? 3.5 for both seems lightning fast.

it uses a gasket, and by and large, the replacement is going to be the same as the G50.... The VH stuff is the same, the valve covers look nearly identical, as well as the seal!

it will be a VERY good idea to replace the plugs at the same time if your nearing the time because its 100% labor overlap.

[Falkdesigns]

Wes, according to the Mitchell software that my buddy uses at his shop, it calls for 3.5 hours total. Although it's been a few weeks, I may be off. I think the difference from the G50 is there are even more hoses and lines up top.

[elwesso]

I dont know, maybe its not as bad, but last time I was under the hood of a Y33 it wasnt that much better than a G50, its like 4-5 hours book time for ONE side if memory serves. I dont really concern myself with book time too much since i do these things myself anyway.

If you can get them to do 3.5 hours for BOTH sides, id take that in a heartbeat!

[BadQ45t]

How many miles do you have, I have no leakage on mine.

[Falkdesigns]

300 miles short of 100k on mine. Leaks are very minor, and both sides it's near the middle of the covers, on the bottom side.

[bullittandy]

234,000 miles and have been leaking since 194,000 when I bought the car. Its just that the leaks have gotten to be bothersome now that I can smell the oil burning.

Wes, good point on plugs.

[SoCal90Q45]

How much are the valve cover gaskets from the dealer and are they the same as the 1994's?

[elwesso]

How much are the valve cover gaskets from the dealer and are they the same as the 1994's?

the gaskets are cheap, like $20 each or something.... Y33 and G50 are not compatible.

[Qproject]

my valve cover gaskets were replaced the first day I got my 97 Q.

part is cheap, labor is kinda pricey

[Q_SHIP]

I will be doing my own. They don't look that bad to do.

[maxnix]

How many miles do you have, I have no leakage on mine.

Leakage on mine hidden by intake plumbing on driver's side.

I am doing all 3 of mine including a under plenum job on at least one G50.

Oh, my back!

[97Q45t]

I replaced the valve cover gaskets on my Y33 at approx. 115K - 120K miles. The process wasn't very hard. It was just time consuming. It took me about 5-6 hours. The spark plugs were also replaced at the same time. You will need to take the ignition coils out anyway, might as well replace the spark plugs at the same time.

Most important tools for the job are the rachet extensions. You will need quite a few sizes of extensions to make the rachet fits perfectly in some spots.

Beside the factory rubber gaskets, you will need some RTV silicone sealant. If you have the FSM, page EM-43 will shows where to apply the silicone sealant.

Bottom line: Take your time to do it carefully and try not to let sand fall into the cylinders.
Modified by 97Q45t at 11:50 PM 12/3/2006

[bullittandy]

it will be a VERY good idea to replace the plugs at the same time if your nearing the time because its 100% labor overlap.

The plugs in my car now have about 30,000 miles on them, what's ya'lls opinions about replacing them. They are the correct plug.

[maxnix]

The main concern is galling, so you should use a high temperature antiseize grease if you reinstall them, or even if you install new plugs.

Inspection of the electrodes should be your guide to replacement. At 30K, they should be 50% - 60% through their life. A good deal on new plugs now could sway your decision.

[elwesso]

The main concern is galling, so you should use a high temperature antiseize grease if you reinstall them, or even if you install new plugs.

Inspection of the electrodes should be your guide to replacement. At 30K, they should be 50% - 60% through their life. A good deal on new plugs now could sway your decision.

i agree... its kind of hard, with another 30k to go, your kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place... Thats probably another 1.5-2 years on those plugs (if you take it to the full 60k)