Replacing a Broken Engine Valve Cover

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Learn how to replace an engine valve cover, from removing the spark wire plugs to installing a new gasket, in this free auto-repair video series from our expert mechanic.

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• 1.

  

  Gasket Reuse versus New Gaskets

  Gaskets may be reusable if the rubber isn't brittle, but if it's made of a cork material, you'll have to get a new one, as our expert mechanic explains in this free auto-repair video.

  

  Views: 756

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• 2.

  

  How to Change Oil After Open Engine Repair

  Change oil after performing open engine repair by starting the engine and then turning it off, letting the oil drain to the bottom and change the filter; learn how in this free auto-repair video.

  

  Views: 656

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• 3.

  

  How to Clean a Replacement Valve Cover

  Clean the replacement valve cover for installation it, prepping it by making sure there aren't any casting flaws and removing carbon; learn more in this free auto-repair video.

  

  Views: 772

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• 4.

  

  How to Clean Mating Services in Cars

  Clean the cylinder head mating services when replacing an engine valve cover to create a fresh surface for the gasket and valve cover to mate to; learn how in this free auto-repair video.

  

  Views: 736

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• 5.

  

  How to Inspect an Engine for Leaks

  Inspect an engine for oil leaks after replacing a valve cover by starting the engine to check for leaks; learn other tips for ongoing inspection in this free auto-repair video.

  

  Views: 594

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• 6.

  

  How to Locate the Engine Valve Cover in a Car

  Locate a broken engine valve cover--also called a rocker cover or tapid cover--whether it's clearly visible or beneath other engine parts; learn more in this free auto-repair video.

  

  Views: 778

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• 7.

  

  How to Mark Spark Plug Wires

  Mark or label your ignition, or spark plug wires with a piece of tape so you'll know the order in which to replace them; learn how in this free auto-repair video.

  

  Views: 679

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• 8.

  

  How to Protect Electrical Parts in Cars

  Protect the electrical devices on a vehicle when replacing a valve cover by bagging them up and tying them off when using a solvent spray; learn how in this free auto-repair video.

  

  Views: 626

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• 9.

  

  How to Reinstall Parts Around the Valve Cover

  Reassemble the engine accessories, like the PVC tubing and vacuum lines, after having replaced the engine valve cover; learn how from our expert mechanic in this free auto-repair video.

  

  Views: 448

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• 10.

  

  How to Reinstall Spark Plug Wires

  Reinstall the ignition wires, or spark plugs, after you've replaced the valve covers, making sure they're returned to their original place; learn how in this free auto-repair video.

  

  Views: 568

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• 11.

  

  How to Reinstall Valve Bolts

  Reinstall engine valve cover bolts, remembering the torque specifications for the bolts and their lengths; learn how in this free auto-repair video.

  

  Views: 594

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• 12.

  

  How to Remove Bolts & Valve Cover

  Remove the valve cover bolts, usually 10 to 15 of them, using a small socket, avoiding stripping the cylinder head; learn more in this free auto-repair video.

  

  Views: 832

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• 13.

  

  How to Remove Parts for Valve Cover Replacement

  Remove engine accessories to provide room to access the valve cover to replace it, from the PCV valve to the vacuum line; learn more in this free auto-repair video.

  

  Views: 729

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• 14.

  

  How to Replace a Valve Cover

  Replace or reinstall an engine valve cover by applying room-temperature vulcanizing silicon to aid in sealing the mating surface; learn how in this free auto-repair video.

  

  Views: 652

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• 15.

  

  How to Seal the New Gasket in Car

  Install a new valve cover gasket into your valve cover by starting from the center and working your way out; learn how in this free auto-repair video.

  

  Views: 927

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• 16.

  

  Tools for Replacing Engine Valve Covers in Cars

  Get the right tools for replacing an engine valve cover, from screw drivers to gaskets to silicon; learn more in this free auto-repair video.

  

  Views: 820

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• 17.

  

  Valve Cover Reuse versus New Valve Covers

  Determine whether to reuse a valve cover, if it's made of aluminum, or buy a new one, if it's made of steel or sheet metal, which is susceptible to rust; learn how in this free auto-repair video.

  

  Views: 582

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• 18.

  

  When Should a Valve Cover Be Replaced?

  Learn how to determine when to replace an engine valve cover, whether they're cracked, rusted or broken engine valve covers; learn more in this free auto-repair video.

  

  Views: 1,056

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Views: 12,772 Videos in Series: 18

Tags: repair, auto, broken, cars, replace, valve, cover, cracked

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Replacing a Broken Engine Valve Cover

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Summary: The head gasket sits between the cylinder head and the engine block in your car, and its primary purpose is to seal the cylinders and prevent leakage of coolant or oil into the cylinders. Next to that is the engine valve cover. After time, the engine cover that seals in the engine valves and helps protect the engine, gets worn out and needs to be replaced, which can often times mean a trip to the mechanic. But if you’re looking to save a little money and learn something new about your car’s engine, we offer this free auto-repair video course in replacing an engine valve cover. It’s not quite the daunting task it sounds like, and makes a great weekend do-it-yourself project.

In this series of free video clips, you’ll learn how to replace a valve cover on the engine of your car. Expert mechanic Nathan McCoullough shows you step-by-step instructions, from locating the valve and determining whether or not it’s leaking, covering and protecting the electronic components of your engine and removing the necessary parts, such as the valve cover and bolts. Once inside, Nathan demonstrates how to remove and inspect the gasket, install the new gaskets, seal the valve cover and start the valve cover bolts in order. He finishes by showing you how to properly check your work, making sure there are no leaks before you head out on the road.

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