Can anyone help replace a Valve Cover Gasket in Orange CA.

Hows it going my extended family!

I read through the how to's and believe that I have a decent grasp of things, but I am still somewhat new at the self wrenching and think that I may still be in need of some help with replacing my valve cover gasket or at the very least finding a reliable torque driver.

Thank you everyone!

P.S. I am in Garden Grove, California

 

I was born a hop, skip and a jump away in Santa Ana...I miss the place. Dying to visit.

Wish I could help! There are plenty of XJers close to you.

 

Well I can't help ya out either, but I can tell you where to get a torque wrench.

I go to Advance Auto, but a lot of auto parts stores have tool loaner programs. Should be pretty easy to find a torque wrench close to you.

 

You don't really NEED a torque wrench for a valve cover gasket; just be aware that the torque on the bolts, 7.2ft/lb, is actually just "good and snug" if simply doing it by hand. In other words, not a lot.

Which is not to say that a torque wrench isn't a good investment and something that you will need going forward.

 

Well Ross, I'm up the road a bit but I'm certain you can take this on yourself. A torque wrench is not a neccessity, just keep the pressure light. I could be talked into a Saturday visit but that wouldn't be possible for the next two weeks.

 

Ok well it sounds straight forward enough, would you guys recommend putting them in finger tight, them use a allen key to make it snug? Probably a quarter turn or less?

Thank again everyone for your help!

 

You're going to have a hard time getting finger tight on a recessed bolt.

Unless you are a lot stronger than you think, you'll know when you're good enough. 7.2 in-lb is pretty light, one finger pull on a hex key.

Don't forget to go in a star pattern around the cover...that'll do you more good than a torque wrench for those things.

 

Here's an Old School way of helping get the gasket on right.

Take the New Gasket and wrap it in a moist towel.
Microwave it for :30 seconds.

Spread it out and lay it out the way it needs to go on.

Everybody has a good way.
Here's what I do.
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Since the Cam Cover Gasket fits with such nice precision and needs to be treated such that you can remove the Cam Cover and not damage the Gasket when doing adjustments and inspections, ... take your time getting the New one on just-right and it will last you for years.

Get the Cover meticulously clean where the Gasket will fit.
Make sure the Gasket "Lip Locating Channel" is thoroughly cleaned.

Clean the Channel and where the Gasket Lip goes surgically clean.
Get your Kid's Elmers Glue.
Cut a Carb Cleaner Tube's ( Or a Q-Tip ) end at a 45-Degree angle.

Smear >> Lightly Coat >> Lightly apply.


Smear some Elmers in the Channel using your Handy-Dandy Carb Tube which fits the channel Like a glove.
Don't waste time.
Get the Gasket Mounted in there and Position it before the Elmers dries.
SEAT the Gasket.
Wipe-off any Elmers the oozes out on to a moist Paper towel you have tucked into the band of your pants.
Position the Gasket PERFECTLY!
Let dry.
Good show.
Now, get an artist Paint Brush.
Paint the Gasket's Mating Surface with a nice thin coat of Oil.
Paint the Engine Mating Surface where the Gasket will touch with a thin coat of Oil.

Put the Cover on and POSITION IT.
Tighten down ....>>>> Slowly!
Letting the Gasket SPREAD-OUT as you Tighten.
Torque to spec's.
It will NOT leak.

Tightening it slowly will let the Gasket flatten-out and Seal.
If you have an issue with Leaking, ...
REPLACE the Rubber Donuts on the Fasteners that Hold Down the Gasket.
The Gasket is MADE to NOT REQUIRE Sealants.
Proper Fitment will allow the GASKET to be removed and reused when the Cover is taken-off for Maintenance.

 

I totaly forgot they were recessed!


I just got my gaskets, rubber donuts, silicone grease and hi-tack adhesive in the mail from chacal the other day.

I am about ready to jump right in! I am going to probably do it next week.

 

Thanks Robert! With me now reasurred on how simple that it can be, I do not think I will need the help afterall, but thanks for the offer!