Valve Cover Gasket Replacement Cost

One vehicle repair that can really sting is a valve cover gasket replacement. This is a job that should never need to be performed, but often is. It is not a routine maintenance item for any modern vehicle. We researched the cost of replacing a valve cover gasket and found that on many mainstream vehicles, the cost from a local shop can be in the $300 - $500 range. However, for many luxury vehicles, the cost is routinely quoted by dealers to be over $1,000.

What is a Valve Cover and What’s the Gasket Do?

On modern engines, the valves are located on top of the engine. Valve assemblies are lubricated with engine oil. This is also a critical area of the engine and must be protected from the environment. Therefore, covers are placed over the valve assemblies (sometimes called trains). The covers are sealed to the engine block area with a gasket. The gasket helps maintain the seal as the engine heats up and cools down, and the materials grow and shrink accordingly.

How Do I Know If My Valve Cover Gasket Is Shot?

Many owners discover their valve cover gasket is leaking by smelling oil or seeing oil where it should not be. This can lead the owner to ask a mechanic to check out the source of the problem, or the owner may find a leak visually by looking closely at the engine bay. If the problem has been going on for some time, the vehicle may also display a low oil warning light or an owner may discover the low oil condition by checking the oil on a dipstick. A check engine light is also not out of the question. Many owners find out about the problem when they take the car in for routine service. A mechanic may notice the low oil level or may spot the leak using a trained eye.

Must I Replace My Faulty Valve Cover Gasket?

A leaky valve cover gasket isn’t something you can ignore for long. The gasket will continue to degrade over time, and you will eventually lose engine oil at a rapid pace. This is not a job we would put off until your next planned service. Rather, it is better to have the job done when the problem is discovered.

What About Miracle Cures to Solve Leaky Valve Cover Gaskets?

Products that you add to your engine oil and claim to solve the problem of a leaking valve cover gasket do exist. We will not disparage the companies here. However, if you ask mechanics and those who have used such products in the past, they will have a lot to say about them, and it won't be good. Our opinion is that if a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing right. Have the gaskets changed.

Can I Just Tighten Up These Bolts To Clamp My Valve Cover Down More Tightly?

The bolts holding the valve cover on have a torque specification. If you mess with that by just wrenching down the bolts, you will likely warp the valve cover. It may slow or stop the leak. For a while. Then it usually returns, and you will need a new valve cover.

Do I Have To Replace Both Valve Cover Gaskets If Only One Is Leaking?

If you have a leaking valve cover gasket in an engine with more than one bank of valves, you may not need to replace both valve cover gaskets if only the one side is leaking. This is one of those junctures in car ownership. If you plan to keep the vehicle, do both. If you are planning to trade it in, sell it to a new caretaker, or burn it for insurance money (not a suggestion, mind you), doing one side may save you a few bucks. Like the old gum surveys, four out of five mechanics surveyed will tell you to do both.

Can I Replace My Own Valve Cover Gasket?

Replacing a valve cover gasket is a great DIY project for a future mechanic to try (on an old beater car). By watching some videos, finding the right torque specs and parts, and dedicating a weekend to the job, you can do this. However, if you value your time, it is a job we would suggest you let be done by a pro. They can do this efficiently and correctly while you work at the philosophy factory earning the big bucks. Kidding aside, this is a job that requires an understanding of special tools and a bit of experience tinkering, but it is not technically challenging. Here’s a tip: Replace all the hardware (bolts) while you’re at it, and mind those torque specs.

Who Can Replace My Valve Cover Gasket?

Any experienced mechanic can do this job well. We would suggest skipping the auto repair chains and using a trusted local shop. You can also use the dealer if you don't mind paying a lot more for the same result. If your vehicle is still under its powertrain warranty, start with the dealer.

What Does It Cost To Have a Valve Cover Gasket Replaced?

Some cars have just one valve cover. Others have two or more. Some cars are designed in such a way that the valve covers are easy to access. In others, they are difficult. Some cars are built and priced to get you from A to B, others are jewelry designed for impressing mates. On a mainstream four-cylinder car with one valve cover, this is a job that should be $300 or less. On a fancy W12 Euro Glider Coupe Exclusive, you are going to pay a lot more. Try paying in Euros or Crypto.

Why Did My Valve Cover Gasket Fail?

This is one of those questions that could be turned around. “Why didn’t it fail?” is another question to think about. Engines heat up and expand, cool down, and then shrink. The valve covers are often made of a dissimilar material and have a different operating temperature and different coefficient of thermal expansion. All that moving around means the gasket is trying hard to keep the two mating parts from separating. In the old days, valve cover gasket jobs were routine. Today, with unobtanium gasket materials, they last a lot longer. Heat and time are the enemies of the gasket. Another less-often-mentioned enemy is a well-intentioned DIYer who cranks down those bolts just cuz it seems like a good idea.

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