Valve cover gasket: to replace or not?

Replacing the valve cover gasket

Probably the most common disease of all front-wheel drive 8-valve VAZ cars, including 2110-2112, is oil leakage from under the valve covers.
Moreover, this problem occurs both in old eights of the 90s and in modern Kalinas. And to eliminate this defect, it is necessary to replace the gasket. But the ideal option, of course, would be to place it on a sealant. So, to do this simple job we need a minimum of tools:

10 mm head
Ratchet handle
Phillips blade screwdriver

conclusions

The torque and sequence of tightening the camshaft bed on the 16-valve VAZ-2112 engines must be correct, since this factor affects the operation of the cylinder head and the engine as a whole. Thus, incorrect implementation of the procedure can lead to more serious consequences. If the car enthusiast is not able to do this on his own, then it is necessary to contact a car service, where everything will be done quickly and efficiently.

In the VAZ 21126 engine, the joint between the cover and the cylinder head of the VAZ 2170 is sealed with sealant applied to the mating surfaces of the parts.

If the oil leak from under the cylinder head cover cannot be eliminated by tightening the cover nuts, replace the sealing layer of sealant.

You will need: a socket wrench “8”, wrenches “10”, “13”, screwdrivers with a flat and Phillips blade, wire cutters or a knife.

1. Disconnect the ignition coil wiring harness connectors...

2. ...and the injector wiring harness.

3. Squeezing the latches with your fingers, disconnect the wiring harness block for the VAZ 2171 ignition coils.

4. ...and the wiring harness block for the Priora injectors from the front bracket.

5. Unscrew the fastening bolts with a 10mm wrench and remove the front one.

6. . and rear brackets.

7. Loosen the clamp...

8. ...remove the exhaust hose of the crankcase ventilation system of the Lada Priora from the branch pipe of the cylinder head cover.

9. Loosen the clamp...

10. ...and pull out the exhaust hose of the crankcase ventilation system from the branch pipe of the Lada Priora cylinder block.

How to remove the valve cover and replace the gasket on a VAZ 2110-2112 8-cl.

So, the first thing you need to do is open the hood of the car and, using a 10mm socket, unscrew the two bolts securing the throttle cable bar, as is clearly shown in the photo below.

Take it to the side and secure it so that it does not interfere with us in the future.

Why is a gasket between the cylinder head and the valve cover needed?

The valve cover is necessary to protect the cylinder head mechanism from dust and dirt; the seal also performs other functions:

Provides tight installation of the cover to the cylinder head flange;
Seals the volume that the lid closes and prevents oil leakage.

The part is not critical for the operation of the internal combustion engine - the engine will work quite normally without it. But it serves to clean the power unit, increases fire safety, and improves the ease of maintenance of the motor. In addition, the sealant makes a significant contribution to maintaining the technical characteristics and purity of motor oils.

In the modern automobile market, there are many engine models with different cylinder heads. However, all internal combustion engine gaskets are designed in fundamentally the same way. This is a flat-shaped sealing element that follows the shape of the plane of contact with the cylinder head.

The element has holes for fasteners and other parts. The seal is placed under the lid, and the seal is created by elasticity.

Structurally, sealing elements can be of different designs.

Solid seals are a continuous ring gasket or have a more complex shape. The element has no breaks and is simply installed under the metal valve cover;
Composite - the product has breaks, as well as various inserts for installation on valve group parts, camshaft input, and other parts;
Complete - in addition to the basic gasket, usually one-piece, these kits contain additional elements - for example, for installation in spark plug wells.

The valve cover gasket also differs in materials of manufacture:

Rubber seals;
Rubber cork;
Paronite;
Cardboard.

Rubber parts are produced using heat-resistant and oil- and gasoline-resistant rubber. During the process, it undergoes various modifications using chemical additives.

Rubber seals are among the most elastic. But rubber, due to deficiencies in raw materials and production technology, can significantly change its geometry, for example, due to temperature changes. The rubber gasket generally has a longer service life than other options.

Rubber cork elements are made from rubber with the addition of granulated cork or other similar porous fillers. The material is capable of providing high sealing and vibration isolation. But for everything to be like this, you need to install the element correctly. Also, such gaskets greatly require the quality of the surfaces of the cover and cylinder head.

Types of sealants used

Various automakers, depending on the characteristics of their vehicles and the specific engine modification, can use cover gaskets that differ in their shape, thickness and material. Most often they are made of thin sheet metal or reinforced paronite, additionally having a durable steel edging. In rare cases, rubber and rubber-cork seals are used that do not directly contact the hot cylinder block, which makes it possible to somewhat simplify the maintenance of the unit, reducing the cost of the engine service performed.

Depending on their design, it is customary to distinguish the following types of cylinder head gaskets:

solid with a ring gasket of complex shape, which ensures the maximum degree of sealing;
composite ones include seals with inserts and breaks that ensure the correct operation of all elements of the valve cover;
complete ones may consist of several additional ring seals for spark plug wells and valves;

The most popular today are solid cylinder head gaskets made of metal, which at the same time have an affordable price and are distinguished by reliability, strength and durability.

Only on naturally aspirated engines with a low degree of boost are paronite and rubber-cork gaskets used, which retain their performance characteristics over a wide temperature range.

It may also be interesting: What kind of oil should I put in my engine for the winter?

When to replace

This gasket must be replaced immediately after a leak is detected. If you do not replace it on time, then soon the entire surface of the engine, as well as all units near the internal combustion engine, will be covered in oil.

Then dust and dirt will certainly stick to the oily elements. Dust not only significantly spoils the appearance of the engine, because the valve cover is the first thing that catches your eye. A layer of oil and dust on the surface of the internal combustion engine greatly worsens heat exchange processes - the engine temperature will rise.

During operation of the engine with a leaking valve cover, oil will inevitably get to the sensors and other electronic devices - the sensors may fail. If the leak is quite severe, the oil level will quickly drop - driving without oil leads to very sad consequences.

Most often, the cover is changed in the following cases:

Engine overhaul;
Determination of oil leaks at the seal installation site;
Cylinder head repair, timing belt repair, unit maintenance.

The frequency of replacement differs on different car models - it all depends on the gasket material. Original products are of higher quality, non-original and cheaper ones are most often a low-quality copy from the Middle Kingdom.

The service life of the gasket depends entirely on the quality of the product and the material. The average price of an element is small, so everyone tries to buy something inexpensive, because the element is insignificant. Many people do the same. As a result, oil leaks under the hood. There is no need to do this.

Among the reasons for replacing the valve cover gasket, the first thing to highlight is the low quality of consumables for the car. It happens that you buy a product at an average price, but after a few days of intensive use of the car, the leak appears again.

When choosing, you should carefully examine the surface of the gasket and its materials; it is important to make sure that the part is elastic. Hard gaskets will not provide the required tightness, and gaskets that are too soft will certainly be pressed through during installation.

Another popular reason that leads to replacement is improper installation. The gasket is destroyed during its installation.

practical guide

1. Remove the camshaft pulleys.

2. Remove the tension and guide rollers.

3. Using a 10 mm socket wrench, unscrew the six bolts securing the rear timing belt cover.

4. Remove the cover.

5. Remove the cylinder head cover.

6. To avoid damage, remove the oil pressure sensor or disconnect the wire tip from it.

7. Using an 8 mm socket wrench, evenly, half a turn, unscrew the 20 bolts securing the camshaft bearing housing.

8. Remove the camshaft bearing housing.

9. Remove the exhaust camshaft 1 and the intake camshaft 2.

10. We remove two plugs for technological holes from the mounting holes in the cylinder head (near the rear ends of the camshafts).

4. Remove the keys and seals from the shafts.

5. Inspect the shafts. The journals and cams of the shaft should not show signs of heavy wear, scratches, cracks, or traces of metal envelopment.

Do-it-yourself replacement of the internal combustion engine valve cover gasket

If we don’t talk about a specific car model, the gasket is changed as follows.

First of all, I disconnect all the hoses and pipes that are connected directly to the valve cover. Next, I unscrew the gas pedal drive cable. Then I unscrew the bolts and remove the cover. Then I remove the old gasket.

In order for the sealing element to work effectively and to avoid leaks in the future, it is important to thoroughly clean the surfaces of oil. You also need to thoroughly degrease both surfaces - both the cover and the cylinder head. Gasoline or carburetor cleaning fluid is suitable for degreasing.

Next, you can install the cylinder head cover and tighten the bolts. Here it is better to use a torque wrench - it is important not to overtighten.

Mistakes that novice mechanics make

Errors in installing the gasket are another reason for replacement. As mentioned above, during the replacement process it is necessary to thoroughly clean the contact planes. If this is not done, the seal will soon leak and will have to be replaced.

Novice mechanics often rush and forget about this point.

Another common mistake is neglecting the torque wrench. The fasteners are tightened sufficiently. In this case, the sealing element is pinched, squeezed out, and there can be no talk of any kind of sealing.

Also, due to improper tightening, the seal is pressed unevenly onto the planes.

Replacing the valve cover gasket

A leaking engine valve cover gasket is a fairly common occurrence on many cars. It is worth noting that the degree of engine wear in this case is not always the main indicator, since engine oil leaks through the valve covers often appear on almost new internal combustion engines and engines with low mileage. As for units with a fairly long service life (especially on budget cars), owners of such cars perceive leaking valve covers almost as the norm. At the same time, there are also many engines in parallel (usually on middle-class and higher models) on which the cover gasket does not leak.

Let's start with the fact that a leaking engine valve cover gasket is a malfunction, so you should not ignore this problem and simply compensate for the decrease in the engine oil level by periodically adding lubricant. In such a situation, it is better to change the valve cover gasket correctly once. Next, we will look at what a valve cover gasket is for, why it leaks, and how to select and replace an engine valve cover gasket.

Replacing the valve cover gasket for Lada 2109 (VAZ 2109)

Every motorist should periodically conduct a visual inspection of his “iron horse”.
Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the engine. A leak detected at the junction between the main block and the valve cover will indicate that your valve cover gasket has already worn out and is not performing its basic functions. The valve cover gasket, although it is not a particularly important part of the engine, the condition of which determines the performance of the engine, its failure can still lead to other, more significant problems. Therefore, if a leak is detected at the junction of the block with the valve cover, it is necessary to replace the gasket; no other repair options will help here. Except in cases where a leak is detected, this gasket is replaced when dismantling the valve cover for repair or technical inspection of the engine, as well as when carrying out a major overhaul of the power unit. In addition, some motorists change the valve cover gasket when changing the engine oil. This approach is considered correct, since it completely eliminates the possibility of leaks. Replacing the valve cover gasket of a VAZ-2114 will not cause any difficulties even for a novice motorist; this operation will take 15-25 minutes, so there is no point in spending money on service stations. We offer you step-by-step instructions for replacing the valve cover gasket on a VAZ-2114 car engine: - We prepare all the necessary tools: a small extension, a wrench or ratchet, a No. 10 socket and a Phillips screwdriver; — Loosen the clamps and disconnect all the pipes suitable for the valve cover; — Unscrew the nuts securing the valve cover to the cylinder block; — With maximum care, we lift the body until it is completely removed from the studs; — Remove the valve cover gasket; — Use a dry cloth to wipe the seating surface, the groove on the cover and the rib of the block head; — We lay a new gasket; — We reassemble in reverse order. Although the valve cover gasket replacement process is quite simple, we want to give some useful tips to help you avoid possible difficulties. So: — You need to purchase only a high-quality gasket, preferably an original one; — The surface of the block must be thoroughly wiped off from the oil present there; — The valve cover must be thoroughly washed (in turpentine or kerosene); — The groove under the gasket must be cleaned with special effort; — After installing the gasket, coat it with sealant. The maximum layer of sealing agent should not exceed 3mm; — Be sure to check the oil level after completing the entire range of repair work; — Start the engine and make sure that the leak is fixed. Re-inspect the engine after the first trip. As we said above, even a novice motorist can do such work. The main thing is to be careful and strictly follow our instructions.

Replacing the valve cover gasket on a VAZ 2114 1.5i 8 valve

Leaking valve cover gasket VAZ 2109, 2114, 2110

Repair of VAZ 2110. Part two. Replacing the valve cover gasket

Removing the cylinder head cover on a VAZ 2108

Elring Valve Cover Gasket Installation Technology

After driving for several days, I felt that the car was more dynamic on the road and the exhaust became more transparent. The applied design in the form of a hydraulic buffer reduces pick-up forces and significantly reduces the level of knocks in comparison with the design in the form of an elastic recoil buffer, which is widely used in racks. Often this is all a lie, and these firmwares are a waste of time. Therefore, owners of eights and nines with such an ignition system are recommended to carry it with them, since this element can fail at the most inopportune moment.

It started with the fact that the anthers and the traverse with the cushion were missing and the reverse frog was broken. You have to warm up the engine by maintaining speed with the accelerator pedal. And we are trying to cut pieces of the required diameter on our pipe.

I tried to apply primer with a pencil and the color did not match. It is the coolant inlet pipe. The force is transmitted through the rod to the clutch fork. There are no doubts about the company, but about the product offered. I'll tell you my story of purchasing this miracle of the domestic automobile industry. Due to thermal expansion, when cooling, the pipes shrink and gaps appear. A spoiler and rear bumper body kit can increase the pressing of the rear of the car to the road. If previously there was at least some compliance with standards and the quality was not bad, now sometimes there are not enough contacts for 5,000 km.

Replacing the valve cover gasket on a VAZ 2114 1.5i 8 valve

Replacing the valve cover gasket on Kalina 1.6 8v [KR | TheReisenderHell]

How to clean the valve cover (breather mesh) of a VAZ

Replacing the valve cover gasket

VAZ 21099 head gasket burnt out

The Lada car, the brainchild of the domestic automobile industry, has been around for several decades. This also leads to the rejuvenation of their additional accessories, so the VAZ 2107 safety cage, the drawings of which have been repeatedly modernized, will not fit the standard parameters of a classic car. Damage to the axle affects the balance during rotation, you may find such a car if you are lucky. The name gender male radiator fan is used for forced cooling of the engine radiator when it overheats. The heater works fine, the car is warm, I don’t know for sure whether it’s leaking or not, I’m just guessing.

It is better to remove the regulator with the generator removed from the car. Buy auto parts from those you trust. The difference between installing side mirrors with turn signals is that the template. Use a manufacturer's fuel pump as a replacement. Jet of supplied liquid. We install the indicator leg into the end of the flange parallel to the axis of the drive gear. Lnzhn z 2109 kpitya pi pmshchi tchchn vki, we must pour it out. It was absolutely the same, the symptoms were the same, then it became worse the first time it turned on. Before changing the oil, carefully read several recommendations that all masters adhere to.

Valve cover gasket: purpose and causes of failure

After the driver lifts the hood and looks into the engine compartment, the valve cover is the first element to look at.
This cover is designed to seal the timing belt, which is located in the cylinder head. This element also has an oil filler neck for pouring oil into the internal combustion engine. The cover is usually attached to the cylinder head with bolts. Removing the cover allows you to get to some elements of the timing mechanism without having to remove the cylinder head. The cover is attached to the head through a sealing gasket. However, it should be noted that oil leakage through the valve cover gasket leads not only to increased lubricant consumption, but also to severe external contamination of the engine, which requires periodic cleaning of the internal combustion engine. Moreover, heavy oil leakage through the valve cover gasket on many engines means that oil gets into the spark plug wells, spark plugs become dirty, etc.

The gasket itself is a rubber product, which allows the element to operate under conditions of constant temperature changes and not lose its properties as a result of constant contact with engine oil. In this case, sooner or later the rubber dries out and becomes hard, and the gasket material cracks. For this reason, oil begins to gradually leak through the gasket, contaminating the engine compartment and the outside of the power unit.

During vehicle operation, replacing the valve cover gasket is a standard procedure that has to be carried out quite often on some internal combustion engines. The valve cover gasket is usually replaced in the following cases:

an oil leak has appeared or oil leaks have become too intense;
when the engine or timing belt is repaired, that is, the valve cover is removed;

In other words, you can change the valve cover gasket both when subtle signs of leakage are detected, and during repair work that involves disassembling the internal combustion engine, removing the cylinder head, etc. Let us add that some car enthusiasts change the gasket every 15-30 thousand kilometers traveled, regardless of whether there is a leak or not. This is quite justified considering how much a valve cover gasket costs, it allows you to always keep the power unit clean, and also makes it possible to assess the condition of individual timing elements after removing the cover to replace the gasket.

Symptoms of insulator burnout

It is extremely important to promptly determine the burnout of the engine head gasket, since subsequently, without appropriate repairs, problems with lubrication are noted, up to the complete failure of the power unit. The sooner a car owner identifies an engine breakdown, the easier and cheaper it is to fix existing faults.

When the gasket breaks down, the fuel-air mixture, motor lubricant and antifreeze are mixed in the combustion chamber, which significantly worsens the power characteristics of the power unit, disabling the lambda probe and expensive catalyst. Oil inclusions may appear in the antifreeze tank and inside the radiator, which negatively affect the cooling efficiency of the engine.

It will also be interesting: Self-adjustment of the carburetor on a VAZ 2107

A faulty cylinder head gasket can be determined by the appearance of a characteristic bluish exhaust that has an oily odor . This indicates a loss of seal in the valve covers, from which antifreeze or oil enters the combustion chamber, which leads to problems with the exhaust system. In the presence of such malfunctions, there may be a rapid failure of the exhaust gas neutralizer, the replacement of which even on relatively inexpensive cars will cost 100,000 rubles or more.

Most often, when a gasket breaks down or burns out, the engine temperature increases, a corresponding indication appears on the dashboard, after which you should turn off the car and take the car to a service center using a tow truck.

It is not recommended to continue driving with such malfunctions, since overheating of the unit will invariably lead to problems with the valve cover.

The main symptoms of cylinder head gasket problems include the following:

significant increase in fuel consumption;
increase in engine temperature;
pronounced detonation and slight trembling;
reduction in power of the power unit.

If you have such symptoms, you should contact the service as soon as possible. Specialists using computer equipment or by opening the engine will be able to determine the presence of malfunctions and quickly eliminate the existing breakdowns. In this case, all work should be performed exclusively by specialists who are well familiar with the features of power units from a particular car manufacturer.

How to change the valve cover gasket yourself

Replacing the valve cover gasket is a simple procedure that can be done in a garage environment with a minimum of required tools. In this case, certain recommendations must be followed. The general replacement process involves the following steps:

Purchase a new gasket, degreaser, and valve cover sealant. When choosing a sealant, you need to take into account that the composition must retain its properties under high heating conditions and also withstand temperature changes.
The next step is to disconnect all the pipes and other elements from the cover, after which you need to unscrew the bolts securing the cover. Please note that some internal combustion engines also have special rubber rings for the bolts, which may fall into the cylinder head when removed.
After the valve cover has been removed, the connecting surfaces of the cover and cylinder head should be cleaned of sealant residues and degreased. Then sealant is applied to the new gasket on both sides, after which the element is installed on the engine. Next, the valve cover is tightened with bolts.

As you can see, no difficulties arise during the replacement process. However, after installing a new gasket, you should be prepared for the fact that in some cases oil may begin to flow heavily at the joint. The leak may be even worse than before the replacement. In such a situation, engine oil leaks for the following reasons:

a low quality gasket is installed or the product is defective;
There is uneven tightening of the cover bolts. This leads to the fact that the cover is skewed after installation;
the wrong sealant was used or the sealant was applied unevenly;

To obtain more accurate information, it is advisable to separately study the issue on specialized auto forums, consult with experienced professionals, etc. As a result, it is possible to accurately determine which valve cover gasket number to use during the selection process. Regarding tightening, it is recommended to tighten the cover bolts with a torque wrench to the required torque and in the correct sequence. This information should be found in the technical manual for the repair and operation of a specific internal combustion engine.

What's the result?

Finally, I would like to add that the sealing element itself is not always the cause of oil leaks through the gasket. The fact is that on many cars the valve cover is made of plastic. This means that during long-term operation, as well as as a result of overheating of the motor and for a number of other reasons, it is the cover that becomes defective. In other words, deformation of the adjacent surface causes the valve cover to not seal properly against the gasket. In this case, the specified element is changed along with the gasket.

In practice, this means that it is enough to change the type of oil to a more suitable quality option. After changing the lubricant, the so-called “fogging” of the valve cover and even minor oil leaks may disappear on their own. This statement is also true for camshaft seals, crankshaft seals, lower rings of injection nozzles and other engine sealing elements.

Types of sealants for car engines: anaerobic, silicone, belt sealants. Operating principle, differences, scope of application. How to choose the best sealant.

Removing the valve cover and replacing the gasket

The valve cover on a VAZ 2106 has to be removed in many cases, from the procedure for tensioning the timing chain, adjusting the valves and ending with disassembling the engine. It is not difficult to remove and can be done in 10 minutes if you have the necessary tools, a full list of which I will give below:

Heads for 8 and 10
Extension
Ratchet or crank
Pliers

Before you begin this repair, you will need to perform some procedures to gain access to remove the valve cover. Namely, the first step is to remove the air filter housing, since it will get in the way.

To do this, unscrew the three nuts securing the filter cover and remove it, and then remove the filter:

Then unscrew the 4 nuts securing the body to the carburetor:

And remove the housing, having first disconnected the hose from the air intake breather:

Now you need to disconnect the carburetor damper drive rod by lifting it up and moving it to the side. If you have a retaining ring, you must first remove it:

It is also worth immediately disconnecting the choke cable. To do this, first loosen the nut with a size 8 wrench, which is shown by the arrow in the photo below, and use pliers to slightly release the cable clamp (bolt):

Then we remove the choke cable, since it is free and is not attached to anything else:

After this, you can begin to unscrew the eight nuts securing the valve cover of the VAZ 2106. The most convenient way to do this is with a ratchet with a long extension and a 10-mm socket.

When all the nuts are unscrewed, we try to lift the valve cover and remove it from the studs. It is finally removed at a certain angle; you will have to turn and tilt it a little on different sides so that it does not catch on anything and comes out freely.

After the valve cover is removed, you can carry out the necessary procedures, which is why it was removed. If the gasket needs to be replaced, it can be changed just as easily. Remove the old gasket, carefully wipe the seat on the cylinder head and put the new gasket on the studs. Before installation, it is also advisable to wipe the cover very well so that it is dry.

Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal. Don’t forget to put back the carburetor cable and rod, and also put on all the disconnected hoses.

Valve cover, valve cover gasket: purpose, malfunctions, replacement

Modern passenger cars are predominantly equipped with internal combustion engines (ICE), with the exception of electric vehicles (they have an electric motor or several electric motors installed instead of a traditional ICE).

Most engines are piston with a timing valve (the abbreviation, the full name is a gas distribution mechanism), other solutions are now practically not used. Moreover, the valve group used is, as a rule, with an upper arrangement of such a component as a valve ( camshaft at the top, crankshaft at the bottom; design schemes with a lower (camshaft and crankshaft are located at the bottom) or a combined arrangement of valves are now actually not used). Such an overhead arrangement involves installing a cylinder head (abbreviation, full name cylinder head ) and mounting a valve cover (referred to as an oil cap), with a valve cover gasket in the middle. Traditional, used regardless of which gas distribution mechanism is installed, a timing chain made of metal is used, or a timing belt made of reinforced elastomers, or even less commonly, timing gears, or a combination of both.

During the operation of a passenger car, the valve cover, the previously designated valve cover gasket, as well as, importantly, the cylinder head, wear out and are subject to mechanical and temperature influences. This often necessitates the need to replace and repair these parts.

Are you asking who in Kazan to contact about this? “Gvardeisky”, a modern technical center, offers in the capital of Tatarstan a full range of services related to maintaining passenger car engines in good condition. It operates its own engine center, where internal combustion engines are repaired (both current without dismantling them, and complete, with dismantling and major disassembly). We offer services in the following areas:

replacement of the Chevrolet , those models that were offered earlier and the few that remain on the domestic market now;
Hyundai valve cover gasket , all popular models of the Korean company, including those assembled in Russia, available on the domestic market;
replacing the KIA , operations are in many ways similar to a similar type of work on Hyundai models, since the engines are almost identical;
Opel valve cover gaskets , from those that were produced by the American GM earlier, and those that are now available and produced by the French Group PSA;
replacing the Mazda , from those models that are presented now and were previously available;
replacement of the Renault , in particular, those models that are assembled in Moscow and Tolyatti;
Daewoo valve cover gasket , including models that were previously available under the Chevrolet and Ravon brands;
Lada valve cover gasket , the entire model range of the Togliatti automaker;
Ford valve cover gasket , those models of passenger cars that were previously available on the domestic market.

This type of operation is especially in demand when a valve cover leak is detected. We carry out all the necessary operations related to maintaining in working order such components as the valve cover, which is important, the valve cover gasket and, of course, the cylinder head, oil pump, crankshaft, camshaft, valves, and also the timing belt in a drive called belt and chain The timing belt, respectively, in the chain drive, other components of the timing belt.
All services are provided in the following areas:

repair of internal combustion engines , restoration of faulty timing components, in addition to this crankshaft and a number of systems working with them in a pair;
maintenance , in particular, of the internal combustion engine and timing belt, both regulated (also scheduled ) according to the Maintenance Regulations, and extraordinary, and also seasonal (as needed);
technical inspection;
sale of components that are in demand during such important work as timing belt and internal combustion engine repairs, their maintenance, technical inspection, when certain spare parts are in demand, in particular, it is possible to buy a valve cover from us, the following key spare parts: valve cover gasket, camshaft, in stock crankshaft, oil pump, valves, in addition to the timing chain, cylinder head.

We also provide a range of related services, including services in the field of auto insurance. With us you can issue compulsory motor liability insurance and other insurance policies at the representative offices of a number of insurance agencies, selecting the most favorable conditions.

The relevance and specificity of the provision of services is directly determined by the design features of such components as the engine as a whole (especially how the camshaft is installed (there may be more than one) in relation to such a component as the crankshaft), its timing drive (a belt is installed or another common solution is a timing chain , either gears in general or a combined drive), and the cylinder head as a whole, the valve cover, if involved, and the valve cover gasket in particular. This is very important in terms of what work needs to be done, why it needs to be done and how to buy the valve cover correctly. Let us dwell on these points in more detail. Let's start with the relevance of services.

Why do you need a valve cover and its maintenance and replacement?

Previously, internal combustion engines mostly had a lower valve arrangement. The design is the most advantageous. There is no timing drive (components such as a timing chain or timing belt are not needed, the camshaft and crankshaft are side by side, the valves are at the bottom, which makes lubrication easier), and the cylinder head is an ordinary plate (cast iron or aluminum with channels of a system designed to maintain a certain temperature of the operating engine ). Optimal lubrication, valves and all timing elements in the cylinder block. But there were some disadvantages to this scheme, related to the key parameters of the engine’s functioning. They were growing. Therefore, it was necessary to look for another design solution.

Several were accepted. One of these solutions was when the intake valves began to be installed at the top, directly in the cylinder head, and the exhaust valves remained in the block. Another solution involved installing the valves (both intake and exhaust) at the top, while components such as the camshaft and crankshaft remained in the block. And finally we came to a modern solution, when the camshaft changed its registration and also moved to the valves, while the crankshaft remained below. That is, they completely switched to an overhead valve, upper-valve arrangement of timing components. The schemes now differ in the number of camshafts, valves and their placement, and the type of timing drive (the main ones noted that a timing chain or another modern solution - a timing belt) is more often used.

The use of first an overhead valve and then an overhead valve arrangement necessitated the need to make structural changes to the cylinder head. The cylinder head could no longer be an ordinary plate. At a minimum, there should have been room for valves that needed to be serviced. At first it was quite simple. In order not to bother with maintenance, the structure was open. What did this lead to?

In an internal combustion engine, as all car owners know, a lubrication system is installed and engine oil is poured in to lubricate the timing and timing gear parts that form friction pairs. This prevents accelerated wear, temperature deformation, and mechanical breakdowns. Moreover, engine oil is supplied to certain engine parts under pressure. For this purpose, an oil pump is installed. It pumps oil through the lubrication channels onto the camshaft cams (often more than one camshaft is installed). The shaft rotates. A moment of inertia is formed. Because of this, the oil is sprayed and divided into fine particles. In this way, the so-called “oil mist” is formed. Since our cylinder head is open, due to inertia, engine oil is sprayed throughout the engine compartment. This leads to contamination of the engine, components of other systems located in the space directly under the hood (with a front-engine layout), and subsequent breakdowns. And you won’t envy the mechanics who service such engines. But most importantly, motor oil was consumed in very large quantities, and it costs money.

The solution was found quite quickly. We decided that the cylinder head should be closed, but at the same time provide access to the valve group and other timing parts (among them the camshaft), as well as parts of the crankshaft components. A removable part was needed that could be removed during routine (individual components) or major (with complete disassembly and troubleshooting) repairs (restoring functionality), as well as engine maintenance.

The valve cover has become such a part, now one might say a unit. Its key task is to prevent leakage and entry of the special oil used in the lubrication system (meaning motor oil) into the engine compartment. This very often leads to damage to engine parts and systems responsible for its operation. That is why the name “oil cap” is very common. Although the functional purpose is much broader and much is related to the components of which systems are installed in the valve cover.

Other equally important tasks assigned to the valve cover include preventing debris from entering the engine. There are others. Everything directly depends on the specific design of a particular internal combustion engine.

This functional purpose and tasks determine the relevance of such services provided in our technical center as replacement and maintenance (TO) of the oil cap. One important point. There is such a thing as a mating plane, which the cylinder head has. Sometimes it is not always possible to achieve a tight connection between the head and its cover. This causes the valve cover to leak. Three key solutions based on the use of the following elements allow you to achieve the required degree of tightness:

valve cover gasket;
sealant, special compounds (anaerobic, silicone, others) that provide the required level of connection tightness;
a combined option, when both a gasket and a sealant are used (there are such bad engines that tend to fog up and the valve cover leaks, whatever you do, it’s just design flaws when creating the engine, so you have to look for unconventional ways to combat this phenomenon).

If you are installing a valve cover gasket, be aware that it is a consumable item. This means that from time to time there is a need for such a service as gasket replacement. Please contact our technical center regarding this. Moreover, we note that, as an example, replacement of the Lada valve cover gasket is carried out during scheduled maintenance (for eight-valve engines of AvtoVAZ JSC, even at every service, that is, annually). Planned (regulated) maintenance, as already noted, is one of the services provided in our service.

Next, we will talk about the features of such timing parts as the cylinder head, or rather its components (this is both the valve cover and the valve cover gasket). The fact is that this predetermines both the specifics of the services provided by car mechanics of our technical center, and the choice of components; when necessary, it will be profitable, with a guarantee of quality and full compatibility, to buy a valve cover, and when necessary, a valve cover gasket, in our car shop .

Valve Cover - Key Features

So, the valve cover is a unit (part) installed on such an important component of an overhead valve, and now often an overhead valve piston internal combustion engine, such as the cylinder head. In addition, an internal combustion engine protective casing can also be placed on top of the cover, which must be removed when carrying out the relevant work.

When you need to buy a valve cover, it may have other names. Let's note the everyday oil cap (based on the functional purpose), and also the valve cover, the term valve cover is also used (taking into account where and what it is installed on), cylinder cover, and also the cylinder head cover (which is natural). And these are just the most common of the names that are found. Sometimes at the market or in a car dealership there are also more exotic options, depending on what you're up to. Therefore, it is better to use a catalog with feeling, proper arrangement (you can see our catalog here). Let's also say that the English names are Rocker Box, Valve Cover, and also Rocker Cover.

Valve cover layout and internal combustion engine design

And now about the specifics of the work and the choice of valve cover. Let's start with the layout. Oil cap placed on a separate engine will differ in layout, that is, in the components it includes. Often the oil filler neck of the lubrication system is located on the valve cover (rare, but other solutions are also found). As a rule, spark plug wells are present (if the engine is gasoline, there is an ignition system and spark plugs are used). Threaded holes are required. They are necessary to use bolts or studs (nuts are screwed onto them) to connect components such as the valve cover and, in addition, the cylinder head, figuratively speaking, tightly. If a ventilation system for the so-called crankcase gases is provided, then in such a scheme the valve cover includes such spare parts as an oil separator, it is also called a lubricant catcher, and sometimes a valve is installed that is responsible for regulating the removal of crankcase gases. In addition, there may be elements of other systems on the valve cover. For more detailed information, please contact our specialists. Contact us in any convenient way ( contacts are published on the official website) and we will provide professional advice on this very important issue.

Configuration and Key Dimensions

Further. In addition to the layout, you should consider the configuration that the valve cover has. Let’s immediately say that the configuration of such consumables as the valve cover gasket and its shape depend on this. The configuration of the cover and its seal is directly related to the configuration of the cylinder head. And its configuration depends on the specifics of the scheme according to which the cylinder block is created. More precisely, the conversation is about the number of total cylinders and the order of their arrangement. Everything is so foggy and confusing, now let’s unravel it.

The number of cylinders of a four-stroke internal combustion engine (two-stroke engines in passenger cars are very rare, let's say exotic) can vary, ranging from two (such engines on the fingers of one hand) to sixteen (there were eighteen, but such engines did not go into production). Engines with a large number of cylinders simply cannot be installed in a passenger car due to their size. If we are not talking about exotics, then most of the engines are four-cylinder, six- and eight-cylinder engines are less common, and three-, five-, ten and twelve-cylinder engines are even less common. The more cylinders, the larger the engine, and accordingly the valve covers differ in size. This, we hope, is clear, keep this in mind when you need to buy a valve cover.

Price list for spare parts from 10.26.2020

Watch on the website Online

The second point is also related to the internal combustion engine. But in this case, the matter is not only in the number of cylinders, but in their location. No one could put more than eight cylinders (such serial engines have ever been seen, but there have been attempts) in a row. The engine turned out to be long. I did not stand either lengthwise or across the engine compartment of a passenger car.

Therefore, in-line engines have a number of cylinders of up to six, most often there are in-line fours, less often sixes, and even less often threes and fives. How does this relate to the valve cover? The most direct. In-line engines have one cylinder head. Accordingly, there is only one oil cap. The same fully applies to engines with a VR-shaped layout (these are V-shaped (more on this layout below) engines, widely used by Volkswagen, they have a pair of rows placed between each other at an angle of either 15.00° or 10, 50°).

If there are six or more cylinders, then they are placed in two rows. These are the so-called V-shaped internal combustion engines, which they promised to talk about. A pair of rows of cylinders placed at an angle of 60.00° or 90.00° (other solutions are also used; VR-shaped internal combustion engines were discussed as a special case). And this means that there is not one cylinder head, but two, one per row. This means the valve cover, you should also remember about such a consumable as the valve cover gasket, respectively, not just one, there are also a pair of them. This means that buying a valve cover in our auto shop sometimes requires not one, but two (although it rarely happens that two fail at the same time). The same fully applies to internal combustion engines, in which a pair of rows of cylinders are at an angle of 180.00° (these are the so-called boxers, boxer engines with four or six cylinders), as well as W-shaped engines (again a miracle of engineering by German specialists , a pair of VR-shaped power units combined at an angle of 72.00°).

The situation may be even more complicated. The total number of covers depends not only on the number of total rows of cylinders. Much still depends entirely on whether one (two if there are two rows) cylinder head is installed or not. The thing is that modern engines have one common cylinder head per row of cylinders. But sometimes solutions are still used where each cylinder has its own individual cylinder head. Accordingly, the cylinder head cover can be either one common per row (this is more than 90% of cases) or individual (one per cylinder, that is, the number of valve covers is equal to the number of cylinders; such internal combustion engines are currently practically not installed on production models of passenger cars).

The number, placement and configuration of valve covers fully determine the features of their maintenance, repair and replacement by specialists from our technical center, in particular when the Hyundai valve cover is being replaced.

Valve cover - material of manufacture

The next important parameter when the same maintenance and replacement of the KIA valve cover is required, this statement fully applies to models from other manufacturers, is the material of manufacture. There are various options. Much depends directly on production technology. There are two main ones. The first is stamping (using a stamping press). The second is casting (casting technology is used, based on the use of a casting mold and special blanks). A stamped oil cap is usually made from certain grades of steel. If the cylinder head cover is cast, then there are a few more options, among the main ones:

cast iron, cast iron valve cover is already history, now they are practically not installed, and cast iron is also abandoned in the manufacture of such key components as the cylinder head and, of course, the cylinder block;
aluminum, the most commonly used material now, or rather not aluminum itself, but its alloys, the entire internal combustion engine is made from them (the cylinder block, above it, on the side or at a given angle, the cylinder head and its inseparable valve cover);
polymers (if we don’t go into details and complex formulas, we use the everyday term “plastic”; a plastic valve cover is now not so exotic);
alloys of non-ferrous metals, from time to time such attempts are made, especially based on magnesium alloys, in an attempt to reduce the overall weight of the engine, but they have not been actively used - expensive;
other materials, some manufacturers fall into the category, figuratively speaking, “a dreamer, you called me”; sometimes they use not entirely trivial solutions in the manufacture of valve covers.

In general and in general. Nowadays, when servicing and repairing engines, our motorists most often come across engines with steel, aluminum and plastic cylinder covers, less often with cast iron, with rare exceptions.

Drawing conclusions from the above - the specifics of operations associated with maintenance, repair (restoration) and replacement of the valve cover are determined by such criteria as layout (presence of components of other systems), configuration, dimensions, quantity, production material and installation method (studs or bolts, this was also mentioned in passing). These same parameters need to be taken into account when you need to buy a valve cover. Next we will talk about another key element belonging to the group of consumables, such as the valve cover gasket, the relevance and need for its replacement and use.

Valve cover gasket - relevance of application

As noted above, in the timing belt, between such components as the valve cover and the cylinder head located under it or on the side (talking about opposed internal combustion engines), a valve cover gasket is often installed. She is a detail, as has already been said, expendable. That is why it is often necessary to replace the Hyundai valve cover gasket, just like on models from other automakers. One thing right away. Sometimes the gasket is not installed, but a sealant is used. And the second case is when the lid sits on both the sealant and the gasket at the same time.

Why do you need a valve cover gasket and such an operation as the same replacement of a KIA valve cover gasket? Briefly, a few words. The mating plane of the head, as well as, to a lesser extent, the mating plane of the valve cover, for a variety of reasons (we will not dwell on thermal, mechanical and other deformations), can deviate from the plane (we are talking about a straight line). It is the valve cover gasket that compensates for these deviations. This ensures the necessary tightness and prevents the valve cover from leaking when oil leaks from under it.

Moreover, the form of fit of the installed seal, which is important, especially when the gasket needs to be replaced, must correspond entirely to the form of fit of such a unit as the oil cap directly to the cylinder head, or rather its mating plane. And the gasket must have appropriate mounting holes for studs or bolts. The specifics of the work, such as replacing the Daewoo valve cover gasket, performed by our specialists, as well as the purchase of the part, are determined by several important parameters. More about them later.

Valve cover gasket - design features

We will not dwell on such criteria for choosing a valve cover gasket as configuration, dimensions, quantity. They fully comply with the same criteria for the valve cover. And they were considered in more detail above.

Therefore, let us immediately dwell on the specifics of the design, which directly affects, among other things, such an operation performed by our craftsmen as replacing the Chevrolet valve cover gasket. Based on the design, we will highlight three types of gaskets:

whole (they are also called non-breaking, traditional complex figured or classic ring shape, are used most often, including when the same Opel valve cover gasket is replaced);
composite (they have a certain configuration of gaps and special inserts for some components of the gas distribution mechanism, thereby ensuring the tightness of their connection; we take this design scheme into account when, for example, replacing a Mazda valve cover gasket);

complete (so called because they are sold complete with other sealing parts installed directly into the cylinder head cover, we are talking about such spare parts as o-rings (aka oil seals) of the so-called spark plug wells (if available) and other parts, it all depends on what type of valve cover has the arrangement).

In addition, when replacing the Lada valve cover gasket, it is necessary to take into account the material of manufacture, more on this later.

Valve cover gasket - material of manufacture

When you need to buy a valve cover gasket and replace it in our car service center, you need to pay attention to the material used to make this structural part. There are several main options:

rubber, rubber valve cover gasket (a budget solution, rarely used because this group of elastomers loses their performance characteristics over time, which is associated with exposure to temperatures and “aging” of rubber);
rubber with additional porous fillers (this can be granular cork and other fillers), implies a combined replacement, with the additional use of one or another type of sealant, and in addition to this, strict adherence to the rules for installing the valve cover, and also to the qualifications of the craftsmen who carry out this type of work , the requirements are quite high;
paronitis (a very common solution, which we will talk about in a little more detail later);
cellulose (paper, including those impregnated with a composition with special properties, high-density cardboard, very cheap, very cheerful, but short-lived and unreliable).

Now a few words about paronite. At its core, it is rubber, but with additives of so-called mineral origin, molded and vulcanized. The paronite valve cover gasket is made of both asbestos (used less and less) and non-asbestos, and among other things, it may or may not have additional reinforcement using steel wire, perforated sheet metal and other solutions. Take this into account when you need to buy a valve cover gasket in our auto shop for subsequent replacement from us. Why replace it? More on this later.

Reasons for replacing the oil cap and its gaskets in those

We come to the most important question - “ Why maintain and replace the valve cover and its gasket? “In principle, we hope this is understandable based on the functional purpose indicated above. And there are many reasons for replacement. Let's name the main ones, starting with the valve covers.

The key criterion that determines the demand for such an urgent operation as replacing a valve cover is its breakdown or breakdown of parts of the systems installed in it, when repair (restoration) is impossible (for example, the material is plastic or for other reasons).

Breakdowns happen for various reasons, but mostly they are mechanical (some kind of shock), temperature (the engine heats up, especially critical for plastic covers) or chemical (various aggressive compounds) deformation.

Replacing the valve cover gasket is also in demand for a variety of reasons, including:

technical maintenance regulations requirements;
dismantling the valve cover (when the valve cover is dismantled, it is advisable to replace its gasket before installation);
“aging” of rubber and natural or accelerated wear (for a variety of reasons);
complete absence or unqualified maintenance (an error in choosing a gasket, its installation, as a result the seal can simply “fail”, so it is better to consult with our specialists when choosing, and entrust the installation to our craftsmen);
mechanical deformation (seals tear, lose their performance characteristics, here, if not all, much directly depends on the material from which the gasket is made, and also depends on the specific design of the internal combustion engine);
exposure to chemicals with aggressive properties (poor quality motor oil, guaranteed high quality, original we offer to buy in our auto shop, low-quality fuel or antifreeze);
deformation, the so-called temperature, especially when the cooling system is faulty and the internal combustion engine overheats, then everyone gets it, the valve cover itself, especially when it is plastic, and the valve cover gasket (regardless of its material), and the cylinder head “gets nuts” cylinders, especially its mating plane;
other, sometimes the most exotic, reasons.

Keep in mind that problems may affect not only the valve cover gasket and the valve cover itself, but also parts of the systems installed in it. For example, sometimes the seals (sealing elements) of spark plug wells (if any), the oil filler plug, the control valve, as well as the oil separator, vacuum receiver, in addition to heating components, valves (we are talking about gravity valves) and other components of the system that provides ventilation are called crankcase valves. gases (if installed). Sometimes other parts of other systems break down.

The key sign of a broken cylinder head cover, in addition to its gasket (when installed), is a leaking valve cover. If this happens, the lubricant (meaning motor oil with certain properties) leaks, the cover “fogs up” and this is clearly visible to the naked eye. It is enough to lift the hood, and sometimes even dismantle the protective casing of the internal combustion engine. When components of other systems are damaged in the oil cap, the breakdowns are determined by the characteristic signs of malfunctions of these systems, and also based on the results of a comprehensive vehicle diagnostic carried out by our masters using various techniques. Contact us.

Specifics of maintenance and replacement

In situations where diagnostics determine the need to replace the valve cover or its gasket, only and exclusively in agreement with the car owner, our technicians can perform the indicated types of work.

The valve cover often changes a lot, for this you need to buy a valve cover. We suggest you do this by contacting our auto shop. By the way, a wide assortment includes such spare parts as valve cover gaskets, in addition to the cylinder head, oil pump, crankshaft, camshaft, both intake and exhaust valves, the same timing chain and others. We guarantee high quality, full compatibility, and affordable prices. We offer loyalty programs and promotions, qualified assistance in purchasing, in particular, choosing by VIN code, delivery to order and other related services. In certain cases, it is also possible to restore the valve covers, if this is feasible and a combination of interrelated factors allows it.

Replacing the Opel valve cover gasket (also relevant for models from other automakers) is a non-alternative operation. Let's point out the key nuances. The first nuance is that the valve cover gasket is not used in all schemes. This has already been noted several times. Sometimes the cylinder head, and in addition the valve cover, are fastened using a sealant that is responsible for the tightness of the connection.

The second nuance is that some manufacturers, let’s not swear and use “wordplay using local idiomatic expressions,” manage to weld the gasket directly to the lid tightly. Therefore, they must be replaced as a set. As an example. Replacing the valve cover gasket of the first generation Ford Focus on 1.6-liter engines of the Zetec SE family, modifications FYDA, FYDB, FYDC (the same engines on the Ford Fiesta with the indexes FYJA and FYJB) is carried out together with the valve cover included. The thing is that the valve cover is made of magnesium alloy, the gasket to it is vulcanized, and it is fastened with four studs. It's good that there are few such engines.

The third nuance. They've already talked about it. There is an unofficial rule: if you remove the valve cover, replace the gasket, regardless of its condition. Whether to adhere to it or not is up to everyone to decide for themselves. But a number of manufacturers directly indicate this in their maintenance regulations. Especially when it is necessary to adjust the valves, their thermal clearances (if there are no hydraulic compensators) and other similar service operations due to the maintenance of group parts (meaning valve parts), and in addition to this camshaft and such an important unit as the gas distribution mechanism drive. A similar statement, interconnected with replacing the gasket without taking into account its current condition, is quite applicable to the situation when, in the conditions of our engine center, engine repairs are performed (both current and major).

The main rule, which our craftsmen fully adhere to, is that all components must be installed strictly in accordance with the recommendations defined by the car manufacturer. This concerns the use of sealant, the order of screwing the nuts (if studs are used) or bolts, the torque of their so-called tightening (you need a wrench, in our case a torque wrench) and a number of other key characteristics, depending on the specifics of the design of a particular power unit.

If you find fogging or a leak in the valve cover - don’t waste time, stop by immediately at Gvardeysky ! We'll check what's wrong, carry out diagnostics, and fix the damage! We also provide maintenance services for the same valve cover, including the gasket, as well as the cylinder head and other timing components! Here, any car owner can buy a valve cover for the engine of his car, as well as its gasket and other timing components needed during engine maintenance and repair. Contact us! We work seven days a week.

Our contacts

st. Gvardeiskaya, 53, building 2

Order spare parts

Watch the video

The valve cover is a part that often has to be removed, especially if we are talking about a car from the domestic auto industry. So, for example, if we talk about the VAZ-2106, the valve cover is removed when adjusting the valves, and when checking the timing belt tension, and when dismantling the engine, and when replacing gaskets, and for many other tasks.

Of course, everyone should be able to perform this procedure independently. Fortunately, it’s quite simple to do and takes about half an hour, so it’s not even advisable to go to the salon to have it done. Let's figure out how to remove the valve cover to replace this or that part, using the VAZ-2106 as an example.

Why do you need a gasket?

It is clear that without such a gasket the car will work as before. But you need to understand that it plays a certain role, even if it does not affect the technical features of the car. It is important that when a leak occurs, a number of serious problems can arise.

The gasket has a certain service life. It must be promptly replaced as it wears out.

If we consider the main task of this part, then it is worth saying that it is to ensure the tightness of the connection. In order for the connection between the valve cover and the engine part to be tight, a gasket is needed. You don’t need any special skills to find the cap, because it has a neck for filling engine oil.

It will be useful: Replacing the cylinder head gasket in a Chevrolet Lanos with your own hands: photos and videos

Removing the cover

In order to work with the valve cover without interference, the first step is to remove the air filter.

Removing the filter

We unscrew the three nuts securing the filter cover and remove it, as well as the filter itself.
Unscrew the four nuts securing the filter housing to the carburetor.
Disconnect the hose from the air intake breather and remove the filter housing.
Disconnect the carburetor damper drive rod (if there is a retaining ring, you must first remove it).
Disconnect the choke cable by slightly loosening the nut securing it.

Now we can safely work on the lid.