Valve Cover Gasket Replacement - Need How To

[OldMike]

I would like to replace the valve cover gaskets, etc. and need two things: (1) where to get the "kit" or parts, and (2) a how-to on the procedure. I thought there was a thread about this but can't seem to find it. I remember reading the thread because it stuck with me that people were saying that the LS1 parts are less expensive but the same as the Jag parts. I did find a thread with a mediafire link, but the link doesn't work - I think it was supposed to be a step-by-step how-to. My mechanic told me today that it would cost me $1,180 plus tax for him to do it! YIKES!!!! That includes the gasket, plug seals, and the 14 other parts (what are they called?). Seems a bit (a lot) high to me! He said it would take at least 8 hours, but I would think it could be done in a lot less time than that. I told him no! So, any help would be appreciated. I have a little experience with working on engines, but I'm no expert by a long shot. I can handle a wrench and follow directions, though. Thanks for any help or advice.

[RJ237]

It is the 2001 Lincoln LS1 gasket set, I think. If you have the 4.0L engine that should work. Here is one of the secondary tensioner procedures:
experience & pics of replacing the upper cam chain tensioners(2-post with PICS)How To
If you just need to replace gaskets that is a rather easy job, and should take a couple of hours max. It sounds like your mechanic was quoting you a secondary tensioner replacement at the very least.
RJ_____________
97 XK8 86K mi

[test point]

That is the 2000, or '01 Lincoln LS gasket set. FelPro has the complete gasket set for less than $40 at your local auto parts store. I would make the assumption the the '14 parts' are the seals around the bolts which are included in the above mentioned set.

This is a one + hour job with a $10 set of 1/4" sockets. Biggest issue I had was removing the oil dip stick tube which is really not that hard. Need further guidance check here:

http://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/ja...17/#post316489

Your '03 car does not need the tensioners replaced.

I would ask your mechanic to tell you that your are stupid to your face before leaving your car with him.

[OldMike]

Originally Posted by test point

I would ask your mechanic to tell you that your are stupid to your face before leaving your car with him.

No kidding! LOL

Thanks for all the great info.

[coastaljag98]

if you can't get them from there, get them on ebay. It seriously is easy! Replace your tensioners at the same time if you haven't since you're already in there. My dip stick wasn't even connected and the valve cover came off without any problems.

[Sean B]

careful not to loose any bolts, the cam cover bolts usually stay in the cover, held by the rubber o rings. I use a magnetic tray to hold the coil bolts.
You'll also need to Loctite Ultra Grey gasket sealant to put a small blob at the timing cover junction.

Also use a torque wrench to tighten the cam cover bolts back down to 9Nm, over tightening can crack the covers (usually once the engine has warmed up and the main reason they leak in the first place).

Good luck, it's a nice easy job

[OldMike]

Thanks again for all the great advice. My first step is to find the gasket kit.

This is my only car, so once I start taking it apart, I have to finish the job -- therefore I need everything before I get dirty!

I found this at partsgeek.com using "2003 Jaguar XJ8" for the search - http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/200...asket_set.html

And this at Advance Auto using "2000 Lincoln LS 3.9" for the search - http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...pro_99992753-p

I know that sometimes the photos/diagrams/drawings aren't exactly what you get, but it concerns me a little that these two kits have some differences. Can anyone help me with the selection?

[Sean B]

partsgeek set look to be right, i.e. Jaguar 2003.

[test point]

. . . as does the Advance AP FelPro set.

I am surprised at the price increase. They were less than $40 a year ago but you do get 20% off and free delivery to the store.

Don't own any Advance stock but sure do spend a lot of money there.

[OldMike]

Question -- how do I know that I'm getting the right stuff in the gasket set? For example, the JTIS shows spark plug seals that look like O-o-O but the FelPro and partsgeek sets show simple, round seals? Are there possibly two different engines and I need to find the set for my particular engine?

As I said before, I'm concerned because this is my only car right now and I can't afford to tear it apart and then find out I have the wrong parts.

Thanks.

[RJ237]

The connected center gaskets were used in the AJ26 engines, the earliest version. You can, I believe, use the fel pro set available at most auto parts stores.
RJ____________
97XK8 86K mi

[jimlombardi]

Hi
I purchased the Fel-Pro valve cover set VS50724R (Ford, Lincoln 3.9L Engine DOHC 2000-2006) for our 2001 XJ8 from Rock Auto.com totaled $43.89 (includes $8.44 shipping).

Advance Auto Parts price is $64.00, but if you purchase it online, then apply promo code A123 (discount of $20.00) brings it down to $44.00 and use the pickup option for your local store (no shipping costs & you can go pick it up within an hour or more).

Jim Lombardi

[theusualsuspect]

HEY OLDMIKE...

CHECK THIS OUT... Fel-Pro VS50724R Valve Cover Gasket Set | eBay

UNDER 42 BUCKS SHIPPED TO YOU IN 3 DAYS...I JUST USED THESE ON MY JAG..2002 VDP AND WORKED PERFECTLY...TOOK AWAY A CYLINDER MISFIRE ON MY JAG. WE DID USE SOME SORT OF GASKET SEALANT..CANT REMEMBER THE NAME BC SOME OF THE GASKETS LIKE PLUGGED IN ALMOST WHILE SOME DID NOT SEEM TO STICK THAT WELL..THE BIGGER ONES THAT ARE LIKE 1 LARGE PIECE...ONCE WE DID THAT IT STUCK PERFECTLY. MY DAD WOULD KNOW THE NAME OF THE STUFF IF U NEED IT.

[jimlombardi]

The Fel-Pro VS 50724 R Valve Cover Set includes:
1) Valve cover gasket - Left
1) Valve cover gasket - Right
28) Valve cover grommets
1) Oil tube O ring
4) Valve cover rubber seals
8) Spark Plug tube seals

Jim Lombardi

[JimC64]

Where are we at with this OldMike?

Are you good to go, do you have enough info etc?

Please update the thread when you can

[OldMike]

I'm on vacation, won't be home for several more weeks, will get back to this project at that time.