Should I try replacing my valve cover gasket myself?

Hometown » Arizona

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Should I try replacing my valve cover gasket myself?

Posted: 3/21/2017 2:41:09 AM EDT

My engine is leaking from the valve cover, and I was wondering how easy is it to replace the gasket on my car? It is a 2003 Hyundai Elantra. I figured I could save $120 on labor cost by doing it myself. I'm not terribly mechanically inclined, but I do want to learn how to do some basic maintenance on my own. Anyone have any advice?

Posted: 3/21/2017 3:32:24 AM EDT

[#1]

Absolutely. Be sure you have all the tools for assembly before disassembling (specifically a torque wrench). If you need a torque wrench and cannot manage to borrow one, you might as well just pay the $120 and let somebody else do it unless you need the torque wrench anyways then go ahead and buy one and knock it out. I have a nice digital 3/8 Snap-On torque wrench I'd be willing to assist you with if you happen to be on the west side of town.

Matt

Posted: 3/21/2017 1:13:17 PM EDT

[#2]

Buddy just did this on his Kia Sorrento and it got a little messy - everything plastic he tried to take off was crispy and broke. Brackets, clips, sensors, front engine cover, etc. Successful in the end, but he ended up doing a timing belt change as part of "valve cover gasket" job.

I say go for it.

Posted: 3/21/2017 2:04:52 PM EDT

[#3]

I'd definitely DIY. Even if you have to buy a manual and tools, you'll still probably be ahead in the end + you have a new tool or two.

Posted: 3/22/2017 2:38:46 AM EDT

[#4]

I'll take the other side, do you need the car in a hurry? If it can sit for a week or two while you overcome any unforseen issues (I assume you have a day job and can mostly work on it during the weekends), go for it. If being down for a week or two is a PITA or causes your significant other to yell at you, pay the $120 in labor.

Posted: 3/22/2017 8:18:42 PM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:
I'll take the other side, do you need the car in a hurry? If it can sit for a week or two while you overcome any unforseen issues (I assume you have a day job and can mostly work on it during the weekends), go for it. If being down for a week or two is a PITA or causes your significant other to yell at you, pay the $120 in labor.

View Quote

Agree with that but a valve cover gasket should be a one weekend job even with some unforseen issues, unless you have to order another part.

Posted: 3/23/2017 1:25:57 AM EDT

[#6]

More likely a 30 minute job and 2 beer breaks

Posted: 3/23/2017 2:55:54 AM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:

Agree with that but a valve cover gasket should be a one weekend job even with some unforseen issues, unless you have to order another part.

View Quote

13 year old front wheel drive car basking in the AZ heat? see comment above about plastic parts breaking which might include vacuum tees, wiring sockets and sensor housings. Nothing I do ever goes strictly to plan. I'm all for working on your own car, but if you only have one car, it sure makes it hard to run for parts if something unexpected happens. Which could be as simple as getting the wrong parts from the shop or needed a new bolt.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Should I try replacing my valve cover gasket myself?

Hometown » Arizona

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