Any advice on replacing valve cover gaskets and spark plug O rings?
The #8 coil was shot and and covered with oil. The car cabin smells like oil burning right when it is started, I think the seals are shot.
Looks like a ton of bracketry and connectors and such that need to be removed to remove the covers. Is this something for the shop or a DIY?
Thanks,
Cheers.
Bob

 

mmmmm to bad its not the 3.0, there are lots of pictures for that motor and some pretty good write ups too, hint hint.

Sorry I cannot help you out in the V8 catagory.

 

I did it as DIY, which was the first ever job where I touched a car engine. You'll just need patience, a 1/4" socket set with normal and deep sockets with extensions and an universal joint.

You'll also need new bushings for the fixings in addition to gaskets (mine is 4.0 2001 but I presume it is the same). I did both sides about a week apart, and at the end I was for some reason short of two new bushings short and reused two old ones and had a leak exactly where I had to use two old ones.

Advice from my experience:

- When fitting the gaskets and fixings back to the cover, everything must sit tight and you must be able to shake the cover and nothing to come loose. Degrease the cover and press the gaskets tightly into it.
- Check that the holes are clean and you can use fingers to twist the fixings to them. Use a tap to clean them if necessary.
- Make sure the areas on the head are clean where gaskets sit.

 

Recently refreshed the spark plugs in my recently acquired STR and found severla had significant oil. Am considering replacing the valve cover gaskets and spark plug seals as a DYI project.
1. any refernces for sources other tha the Jag dealer who will sell me two new cover gaskets.
2. is this a DYI for an competent but unenthusistic mechanic

Phil in Franklin
03 STR
72 Lotus Elan +2
05 Mazdspeed Miata

 

I do not know the car you are working on but in any case clean and dry surface for the gaskets, be sure the removed valve cover surface is flat without cracks and when installing it use a torque wrench and torque in order.