Valve cover gaskets carry the important task of keeping oil sealed in your Volvo's engine. If oil begins to leak out of your engine, you run the risk of a much larger engine repair bill down the road. Over time, the gasket is bound to weaken, and if it is not replaced before oil starts escaping, the damage can be irreparable. Before your Volvo hits the 100,000-mile point, take a few minutes to change your own valve cover gasket.
Disconnect the negative battery cable, which is black. Remove the PCV valve by gently wiggling it off the tube to which it is attached.
Disconnect the spark plug wires, which are typically blue, red and black. Remember exactly which wires connected to which plug so that you can easily replace them after the new valve cover gasket is in place.
Unscrew the bolts on the valve cover. Remove the old foam gasket by peeling it off. For difficult portions, scrape the gasket off with a flathead screwdriver.
Clean the valve cover with a rag and degreaser. Position the new gasket so that it is aligned with the edges of your engine.
Tighten all of the bolts on the valve cover. Reconnect the spark plug wires in the same manner they were originally set.
Reattach the PCV valve by wiggling it back into the same position it was in when you removed it.
Fill your engine with motor oil through the oil filler cap at the top of your engine. You will see when the oil starts to reach the top, so use caution to not overfill the engine.
