QuestionI have had an oil leak for a long time on my 2003 Disco II. I have taken it to the dealer many times and had various things fixed with the leak still occurring. This last time, they said it was a valve cover gasket. They wanted 1300 dollars to fix it. I can see oil around the outside of the valve cover. My car does also tend to run a little rough. My question is how hard is it to change the valve cover gasket for a handy but relatively new person to car repair. Thanks.
AnswerHi Glen,
regarding the oil leak and valve covers (aka: rocker covers) the complications depend on which valve cover you have to remove.
The RH valve cover has the coolant rail, the upper inlet manifold, the alternator cables, RH injector multiplugs and the fuel rail harness, HT lead clips. All this before you get to the valve cover.
The LH valve cover has the upper inlet manifold and the AC compressor to remove, the HT lead clips and oil dip stick, then the valve cover itself.
Question is, do you replace the valve cover only on one side OR do you do both sides? Knowing that if one side is leaking, the other side may also eventually leak - OR - fix only that which is 'broken'.
Tough call. (I'd do both and be done with it.)
IF you want to save $1300, do the work yourself. It is not that complicated. You have to be aware that you are working in a knuckle-busting space (tight fits, low tolerances) with components that are expensive to replace. There are no special tools but it has to be done right.
If you feel you can do this, send me an email and I'll forward you techsheets on how to replace the gaskets involved.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
