The gasket holding the engine together is a major player in keeping everything running well together. This one is situated at the very top of the engine and prevents oil from escaping. This gasket is commonly referred to as the valve cover. It helps retain the oil inside, and it serves as a barrier between dirt and other vital engine parts such as the valves.
The gasket tightly seals the cover to the engine. Its made from special material that will able to withstand the temperature and pressure that is generated while engine functions. The important job it does when it is in good shape is to keep oil inside the engine.
It is possible for oil to leak out of the engine if the gasket is damaged or not functioning correctly. Overtime this can cause huge issues and eventually even make the engine irrepairable. The following are some of the common symptoms of a bad gasket:
Properly maintaining the gasket is crucial for the longevity of the engine. Such regular maintenance, such as checking the gasket, is essential to avoid bigger problems from developing. You should be looking at the gasket when going in for an oil change. Once the gasket begins to wear out it should be changed as soon as possible because otherwise it can do a lot of damage.
A faulty gasket should not be ignored because it can eventually affect the engine quite a bit. This isn't only expensive to remedy, but rather it's dangerous as well. Oil spills can lead to the risk of fires or accidents, especially when it happens while you are driving on the road. So, we need to monitor the condition of the gasket very carefully for the sake of your safety and the health of the vehicle.
So before you buy a new gasket, especially if it is your first time replacing the gasket on your engine, you should check your engine manual to figure out what type of gasket to use in your specific engine. Alternatively, you can also ask a mechanic what the best option is for you.
Step 1: Collect your tools — The first step is to gather the appropriate tools and materials that you will need. Be sure to grab a screwdriver, a gasket scraper (to remove the old one), a new gasket and a torque wrench to tighten the screws properly.