Whether you use your 2001 through 2005 Dodge Ram for towing a trailer or hauling the kids around to after school activities, you more than likely have driven 100,000 miles or more. Now it is time to replace the valve cover gasket.
Find a location that permits this type of maintenance to be performed on site. Some neighborhoods and apartment complexes ban this type of maintenance being performed on the premises. Allow the car engine to cool for several hours prior to starting the maintenance.
Disconnect both battery negative cables. Remove the oil fill cap and the breather cover. Locate and disconnect the breather hose and breather drain tube from the breather housing. Locate and remove valve cover bolts and the cylinder head cover. Remove the old valve cover gasket.
Using automotive engine cleaner and a clean cloth rag, clean the valve cover seating area. Make sure that you remove all particles and debris that collected in the seating area.
Place the new gasket into the gasket seating area. Place the valve cover back into place. Reinstall the bolts. Tighten the valve cover gasket bolts. Do not over-tighten the bolts or the valve cover gasket will not fit correctly.
Reinstall the breather hose to breather. Reinstall the breather drain hose to breather. Reinstall the breather cover and wire harness clip. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Check the oil level in the vehicle. If necessary, add 1 to 2 quarts of oil. Start the engine and allow it to run for 10 to 15 minutes. This will allow the oil to move to the top of the engine, lubricating the parts as is moves.
