Valve Cover Gaskets: How to?

[stallion]

I searched the threads for em and found bits and pieces, but not a complete explanation on how to do it other than 'remove 3 coil packs' and 10 bolts, but I need more info as i'm less mechanically gifted than you all (Although i'm sure I can do it with proper instruction) If anyone can please help I would be eternally grateful: Can you give me a step by step procedure like those How-To documents? What is a coil pack and how do I remove it safely? What are some things I need to be very careful about? How do I remove/install the gaskets? Can I get a complete part # list?

I know that you remove 10 bolts or what not... But got confused as to exactly how to take out the gasket and how to secure the cover as you unbolt it (its a small space in there) Any tips and help will be appreciated!!!

[Chiketkd]

I will be replacing the valve cover seals on AmazonParrot's SVX later this Spring and may do a How-To...but that obviosuly doesn't help you right now.

A quick and dirty how-to is as follows (going from memory as I no longer own an SVX):

(Note - I recommend that you change your oil immediately after doing the valve cover seals as dust, pollen, etc can get into your engine when replacing the seals. If you can, do the swap indoors)

1) Disconnect the battery and remove entirely

2) Remove the airbox, MAF and inlet tube

You'll now have a lot of room to work with on both sides...

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/27810.jpg

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/27816.jpg

3) Unbolt the engine oil filler tube

4) Unbolt the three coil packs per side of the EG33 (get them out of the way)

5) Undo the ten bolts that hold each valve cover on

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/31661.jpg

6) The valve cover should come right off, if not pry gently

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/31664.jpg

7) Take the actual valve cover over to a bench and remove the three rubber seals - they're relatively easily to remove (one goes all around and the other two go around the middle area where the coil packs sit).

8) Take your new seals and replace. Note that the seals are specific to one side of the engine. Don't force the new seals down into the little grooves, but push them in there gently (if rubber is damaged during installation, seal will fail)

9) Replace valve covers and 10 bolts per side (someone chime in here with the torque specs on these bolts - I think it's around 10-14 ft-lbs)

10) Replace coil packs and oil filler tube

11) Replace air tube, MAF, airbox and battery

-Chike

[SVX-FF]

These prices are from www.Subaruparts.com. Good prices and fast delivery.


Hope this helps for a parts list.

Steve

[msvx95]

That's a very good quick how-to.....can we expect this to spill or trickle oil all over the place upon removing the covers...assuming we keep our engines in the car? I've never done one myself

[Chiketkd]

That's a very good quick how-to.....can we expect this to spill or trickle oil all over the place upon removing the covers...assuming we keep our engines in the car? I've never done one myself
Very little oil will drip. If you let the car cool down for 30 minutes before starting work - the oil will all be in the pan.

On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the hardest), I'd rate this job a 5. Trickiest part is maneuvering your wrench around to remove the valve cover bolts. It's actually easier to do the valve cover gasket job than to change the #6 spark plug! :p :rolleyes: ;)

[SVX-FF]

I have done the right side rocker cover and all the spark plugs. The #5 plug was not that hard. See...

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/SVX-FF/22711.jpg

The key is to have a good long flex head 3/8 ratchet. Once I had the air box and battery out of the way these are the only tools I used to change the spark plugs.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/SVX-FF/22712.jpg

Took only about 1 hour.

Steve

P.S. Now the # 6 was a little hard because you have to go thru the wheel house with a extension. a nice 10" works good, or a 3" and 6" work too.


***now fixed***

[Chiketkd]

Steve,

We're talking about the same cylinder but you have your nomenclature mixed up for the cylinders. When facing the engine from the front of the car, they're labelled as follows:

5-6
3-4
1-2

-Chike

P.S. I did AmazonParrot's spark plugs two weekends ago and they took me ~2 hours. I also had to go through the wheelwell with an extension...

[SVX-FF]

My bad Chike. I am got the American engine system still in my head. You are correct in the numbering sequence.

Although I am a little disappointed in you. All engine and car reference is done from the drivers seat, not the front of the car. :p

Steve

[stallion]

wow thanks so much everyone!!!!! i can offically attempt this now.

[Chiketkd]

Although I am a little disappointed in you. All engine and car reference is done from the drivers seat, not the front of the car. :p
LOL! Very true...but that's how it was originally explained to me on the EG33, and I guess it got stuck that way. :p

I thought you were going to be disappointed that it took me 2 hours to do the spark plug job! :eek: :rolleyes: :D
wow thanks so much everyone!!!!! i can offically attempt this now.
No prob. Hope it helps! :)

[Myetball]

In case anyone is interested, RockAuto (http://www.rockauto.com/) sells a Corteco valve cover set with grommets for $58.79 + s/h. I've been ordering stuff from them and the Corteco stuff is high quality and fits perfectly.

If your grommets are hard as rock as mine were it's almost $40 + s/h to get them from Subaruparts.com. Add the cost of the other gaskets and the Corteco set is way cheaper.

[SVX-FF]

I thought you were going to be disappointed that it took me 2 hours to do the spark plug job! :eek: :rolleyes: :D



No, we all have to start somewere. :D

I am interested in the fact that you pulled your motor out. How long did it take and why?

Steve

[stallion]

In case anyone is interested, RockAuto (http://www.rockauto.com/) sells a Corteco valve cover set with grommets for $58.79 + s/h. I've been ordering stuff from them and the Corteco stuff is high quality and fits perfectly.

If your grommets are hard as rock as mine were it's almost $40 + s/h to get them from Subaruparts.com. Add the cost of the other gaskets and the Corteco set is way cheaper.

whoa thanks dude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Chiketkd]

No, we all have to start somewere. :D

I am interested in the fact that you pulled your motor out. How long did it take and why?

Steve
Those were pics I took when Subafreak, TomsSVX and I were installing the first set of performance cams from Delta Cams into my former '96. I changed my valve cover seals while they busied themselves with the cams...

-Chike

[Hocrest]

Just another tip...

A racheting wrench helps a little bit on a few of the bolts.

[clarkerussell]

OK, I'm ready to tackle this portion of my list of repairs... This is part one of two in ending several oil leaks... Today the list consists of:

1) Rocker cover gasket set
2) New Plugs
3) New timing belt
4) ALL front engine seals (Cam seals, oil pump seal... anything else?)

Is there anything else I should replace at the same time that I'm replacing the rocker covers?

After looking at the pictures, it looks like the cam seals are replaceable at the same time... is that correct, or is that something that should be done at a different time?

[clarkerussell]

In case anyone is interested, RockAuto (http://www.rockauto.com/) sells a Corteco valve cover set with grommets for $58.79 + s/h. I've been ordering stuff from them and the Corteco stuff is high quality and fits perfectly.

If your grommets are hard as rock as mine were it's almost $40 + s/h to get them from Subaruparts.com. Add the cost of the other gaskets and the Corteco set is way cheaper.

So this set includes all 26 pieces? The 3 gaskets and 10 bolt grommets per side? If so, that's almost $40 cheaper than subaruparts.com! Are they just like the OEM ones, or are they some sory of univeral part?

RockAuto also lists about 4 different makes of timing belts for our cars. They are only about $15 cheaper than Subaruparts.com for the Gates belt. Oddly, there is another Gates Belt that is the same price as subaruparts.com. Does anyone have a suggestion about these parts? Thanks.

Clarke

[Earthworm]

So this set includes all 26 pieces? The 3 gaskets and 10 bolt grommets per side? If so, that's almost $40 cheaper than subaruparts.com! Are they just like the OEM ones, or are they some sory of univeral part?That's what I changed on my car this past weekend. Took me all weekend because I upgraded my engine mounts in the process.

Don't forget to have something to clean all the oil off the floor! :D

[pavanbabut]

I searched the threads for em and found bits and pieces, but not a complete explanation on how to do it other than 'remove 3 coil packs' and 10 bolts, but I need more info as i'm less mechanically gifted than you all (Although i'm sure I can do it with proper instruction) If anyone can please help I would be eternally grateful: Can you give me a step by step procedure like those How-To documents? What is a coil pack and how do I remove it safely? What are some things I need to be very careful about? How do I remove/install the gaskets? Can I get a complete part # list?

I know that you remove 10 bolts or what not... But got confused as to exactly how to take out the gasket and how to secure the cover as you unbolt it (its a small space in there) Any tips and help will be appreciated!!!
Wow!... u r right around the corner. BTW I am from San Rafael (yeh its there in my siggi). I too have to do the driver's side valve covers job. We can meet up some time and do the work. I come down to paul's (92svx95) house sometimes to work on our svxes. He lives in fremont and I also often come down to Sunnyvale to my friend's house on weekends. Lemme know when you are gonna do the valve covers job. I may comedown and join with you, if you dont mind :p .

BTW I still have to order the parts, but not sure from where. Two places are listed over here to order. Which one is the better one, I am not bothered about the price, but I need one which is good and lasts longer. What parts should I have to order to change only on one side (driver's side) and do you think its a good idea to replace spark plugs too at the same time?

-Pavan

[SVXMAN2001]

chiketd, that pic of the exposed camshafts is beautiful! Great write up, so good i may just attempt it on my own! Oh is there a special grease that should be applied when reinstalling the new seals (rubber gaskets essentially right?)

[Chiketkd]

chiketd, that pic of the exposed camshafts is beautiful! Great write up, so good i may just attempt it on my own! Oh is there a special grease that should be applied when reinstalling the new seals (rubber gaskets essentially right?)
Thanks. No special grease. You could run a little engine oil over them to make 'em slide in easier.

[clarkerussell]

Thanks. No special grease. You could run a little engine oil over them to make 'em slide in easier.

Did you use the OEM seals, or did you go with the aftermarket ones? Thanks.

[Earthworm]

OEM everything here.

[Chiketkd]

Did you use the OEM seals, or did you go with the aftermarket ones? Thanks.
Like David mentioned - I used OEM gaskets.

[pavanbabut]

These prices are from www.Subaruparts.com. Good prices and fast delivery.


Hope this helps for a parts list.

Steve

What part#s should I have to order from the above list for only driver's side valve cover job?? Also if a part is specified as RH, is it for the driver's side (I mean looking from the front of the car)??

thanks,
-Pavan

[svxy]

Its funny that this thread about replacing the valve cover gaskets was here the same time I replaced mine. Its true that it is a 5 difficulty out of 10. The rear bolts give you the most trouble and you will spend the most time getting those off and on. I took off the undercarriage cover and tighten some from the bottom as well. And if you are thinking of replacing the spark plugs this is the time to do so because you will now have much more room to do so and it will take less then 5 minutes a plug to exchange them. I had the Bosch plugs and replaced them with the NGK iriidiums, and while I was there I replaced the knock sensors as well, and it runs much better, as well as idleing better. It idles like it isn't even running. I can't wait to climb a hill at full throttle and not smell burning oil at the end.

[SVX-FF]

What part#s should I have to order from the above list for only driver's side valve cover job?? Also if a part is specified as RH, is it for the driver's side (I mean looking from the front of the car)??

thanks,
-Pavan


Here is a list to do both sides. The top three parts are for the driver side and you only need 10 of the washers, 4th item. The last three are for the passenger side.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/SVX-FF/35491.jpg

There should be 20 washer not the default of 16.

Steve

[pavanbabut]

Thanks Steve.. will order them this weekend. I am getting very horrible mileage, whtelse do you think I can change at the sametime and have some better fuel efficiency??
thanks,
-Pavan

[SVX-FF]

Bad gas mileage. I would look into O2 sensors if you are close to 80,000. I changed mine with a tune up and got about 17 mpg town/highway mix. I would get oem on them too. The one that you have to cut wires on I never liked.

Steve

[Earthworm]

Here is a list to do both sides. The top three parts are for the driver side and you only need 10 of the washers, 4th item. The last three are for the passenger side.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/SVX-FF/35491.jpg
You need 20 washers total...not 16

[SVX-FF]

You need 20 washers total...not 16


Thanks David, I missed that when I ordered mine the first time. I guess the second time too:o

Steve

[Merz]

In case anyone is interested, RockAuto (http://www.rockauto.com/) sells a Corteco valve cover set with grommets for $58.79 + s/h. I've been ordering stuff from them and the Corteco stuff is high quality and fits perfectly.

If your grommets are hard as rock as mine were it's almost $40 + s/h to get them from Subaruparts.com. Add the cost of the other gaskets and the Corteco set is way cheaper.


Has anyone else used this kit? Is it as good as the oem gaskets? $30 cheaper than subaruparts.com seems like a good deal.

[svx_commuter]

chiketd, that pic of the exposed camshafts is beautiful! Great write up, so good i may just attempt it on my own! Oh is there a special grease that should be applied when reinstalling the new seals (rubber gaskets essentially right?)

I coated the entire gasket with silicon grease before installing to help reduce the oxdiation of the rubber, rubber will oxidize in air over time. I'll let you know if they last any longer. ;)

I had to loosen the engine mounts and slide the engine sideways with a floor jack to get the valve covers out. I could not get enough room to slide it out.

It is not possible to torque some of the valve cover bolts when the engine is in the SVX.

[immortal_suby]

I had to loosen the engine mounts and slide the engine sideways with a floor jack to get the valve covers out. I could not get enough room to slide it out.

I had to raise the engine slightly also on one of my svx's to remove the driver side valve cover. The other svx I got it out without moving anything. I guess it is due to a small engine alignment/mount problem or maybe worn mounts?

[Myetball]

Has anyone else used this kit? Is it as good as the oem gaskets? $30 cheaper than subaruparts.com seems like a good deal.


I doubt anyone else has tried very many non-eom parts. For some reason most folks believe SVX's are some mystical special car that will only run on oem parts and dual flux capacitors. I rebuild engines on a regular basis and would run Corteco gaskets/seals in any engine. For those with less experience, sticking with oem provides a sense of safety and security.

In Korea the word for money is toni (spelling may be off) but as we used to say while chasing juicy girls "it's all about the toni!"

[Merz]

I ordered the Corteco valve cover gasket set, and all it came with is the main gasket for each side, and 10 grommets total. Shouldnt it have come with the smaller gaskets for around where the coils go? and dont i need more than 10 grommets?

[Earthworm]

You need a total of 20 grommets (10 per side) and 6 gaskets (3 per side)

[Merz]

Thats lame. Now i need to order the other 4 gaskets and 10 more grommets.

So as a warning to everyone else, the Corteco valve cover gasket set only comes with 2 gaskets and 10 grommets total. Seemed like a good deal for $60. Now i know why.

[Earthworm]

Call them back and tell them what's missing from their shipment :D

[92SVXLS-LDC]

update...

i decided to go out on a limb and order from rock auto...
when the package arrived, it was just like the post earlier... 2 outer gaskets, and 10 grommets...

i called customer service, they said they'd call corteco (company that supposedly manufactures the gaskets)

i got a call back, corteco subcontracts ANOTHER company to manufacture
these gaskets (i couldnt get the name of that manufacturer)

also, corteco couldnt explain why they consider 2 of 6 gaskets and 10 of 20 grommets a full set, but that is in fact THEIR full set... they will look into pulling it off their website, but they have no plans of offering a REAL full set

all is being returned, no hassle of course..

[stallion]

Ah... thanks for the update.

[Merz]

I installed the corteco gaskets and ordered what was missing from subaruparts.com. ended up costing a lot more than it should.
The worst part is that my valve covers are still leaking, maybe worse than before. I had a lot of small leaks before, mostly from the inner gaskets and around the grommets. Now i have a bad leak around the outer gaskets, which are the corteco ones. Im pretty sure these gaskets are the reason for the leak. they seemed thinner than the subaru ones, and im positive that i installed them correctly. I am extrememly frustrated right now because i spent hours changing them, and now have to do it again, and pay more money for the oem gaskets.
I went to the bar lastnight and when i came out, there was about a 12 inch puddle under my car. I was so mad, i wanted to drive the car into a tree, but i was afraid i would get a duii. I really just want to sell the car right now, if anyone is interested?????:mad: :mad:

[Earthworm]

Tighten the bolts just a little more. Mine leaked after changing as well. A little tighten and it's dry.

[Merz]

I will try that thanks. :)

[Merz]

Well i tightened the bolts, and it still leaks. So i am going to order the oem outer gaskets and replace them again. Shouldnt take as long this time, because i know how to do it now. I think i'll use some rtv this time also.

[Merz]

Question: I only need the drivers side gasket. Subaruparts.com says Lh or Rh gaskets. Which is it? Is it Lh or Rh when looking at the engine, or sitting in the car?

[immortal_suby]

sitting in the car. LH = drivers side in US. If you ever can't remember then look at your rims.

[blownb310]

I doubt anyone else has tried very many non-eom parts. For some reason most folks believe SVX's are some mystical special car that will only run on oem parts and dual flux capacitors. Myetball,

What are you doing over here? I thought you were a Nissan guy. :p

I have the distinct displeasure of having to work on my Nissan parts manager's SVX and these boards are a great source of info for a Nissan tech trying to work on a mystical and special Subaru. :D

Mike

[pavanbabut]

Myetball,

What are you doing over here? I thought you were a Nissan guy. :p

I have the distinct displeasure of having to work on my Nissan parts manager's SVX and these boards are a great source of info for a Nissan tech trying to work on a mystical and special Subaru. :D

Mike

:) Thts wht makes a SUBARU, a SUBARU.... :p though its not a lot fancy enough compared to others...

-Pavan.

[blownb310]

:) That's what makes a SUBARU, a SUBARU.... :p though its not a lot fancy enough compared to others...

-Pavan.LOL, I too have found that you can't get the driver's side valve cover off without jacking up the engine slightly. I guess I better get back out there and finish this job.

Pavan, an Alfa too? Man, you really go for those non mainstream cars don't you? :p

[pavanbabut]

LOL, I too have found that you can't get the driver's side valve cover off without jacking up the engine slightly. I guess I better get back out there and finish this job.

Pavan, an Alfa too? Man, you really go for those non mainstream cars don't you? :p

You dont need to jack up the engine, if your hands are skinny like me. We (me and my buddy) did the valve covers job on our svxes and we didn't jack up the engine and ofcourse I took the job of removing the rear valve cover bolts on the driver side.. :).

Yep, I love my Alfa as I do my SVX. I like the way how it delivers the power at all rpms and its stability at all speeds and especially the enigne note (you know wht I mean):p . But I can feel the lack of AWD sometimes. But buying a coverleaf (AWD model of 164) is a nightmare for me (not less than $15k) and also to maintain :eek: .

-Pavan.

[blownb310]

You dont need to jack up the engine, if your hands are skinny like me. We (me and my buddy) did the valve covers job on our svxes and we didn't jack up the engine and ofcourse I took the job of removing the rear valve cover bolts on the driver side.. :) Maybe the engine mounts have settled on this black '92 I've got here. There was not enough clearance on the front of the valve cover to remove it. I'm lucky, I'm working with a lift, so it was easy to remove the single 14mm left lower motor mount nut and put a jackstand under the left ex. manifold to raise it up a bit. Then the valve cover came right off. I'm not sure if anyone mentioned this in this thread yet or not, but I put a dab of fresh gasket maker in the same half dozen or so spots that the factory did before I reinstalled the valve cover.

Mike

[Myetball]

Myetball,

What are you doing over here? I thought you were a Nissan guy. :p

I have the distinct displeasure of having to work on my Nissan parts manager's SVX and these boards are a great source of info for a Nissan tech trying to work on a mystical and special Subaru. :D

Mike

Well, my old B11 is in Nissan heaven now. I still have that pristine CA18DE and am now dreaming for restoring an old Datsun roadster and dropping in the CA. I still stop by the Nissan forum from time to time.