Oil leaking from the valve cover gasket can cause bigger problems if it is not fixed promptly. If oil gets onto the timing belt, it can shorten the life span of the belt, potentially causing it to break and resulting in costly repairs. Oil leaking onto the hot exhaust can cause an engine fire. A leaking valve cover gasket can be repaired quickly, with a few simple hand tools and at a very low cost when you do it yourself.
Remove the spark plug wires from the valve cover by twisting them from side to side while pulling on the boot. Set them aside.
Use pliers to squeeze the clip on the end of the vacuum line that runs from the air intake duct to the valve cover and slide the clip back. Slide the vacuum line off of the valve cover.
Remove the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve from the valve cover, with the vacuum line still attached, by twisting then pulling it out. This is the plastic elbow that is in the center of the valve cover. Set it aside.
Use a ratchet, extension and 10 mm socket to remove the bolt that attaches the ground wire to the front of the valve cover. Remove the four valve cover bolts, washers and rubber washers.
Place the screwdriver between the valve cover and the head of the engine and twist it to pry up the valve cover. Lift the valve cover off of the engine.
Remove the valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals. Note how the spark plug tube seals are inserted into the valve cover.
Insert the new valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals, with the opening facing outwards.
Place the valve cover onto the engine and reinstall the rubber washers, metal washers and the four bolts. Reattach the ground wire.
Reattach the PCV valve, vacuum line and spark plug wires.
