I would like to replace my valve cover gasket myself of it's a job I could do in maybe 5 hours or less....has anyone done it? Was it easy?

 

Easy 10 minute job. But why? Tightening the bolts should stop leaks.

 

If you’re gonna do it, don’t go cheap the gaskets, get a kit with the grommets included. It’s not a hard job , you’ll need a 10 mm socket 1/4 or 3/8 drive a 6” extension and ratchet. Some wrenches a 12, 13 and possibly a 15 mm .

 

Took me a couple of hours. For shade tree mechanics like me, you got to be careful. You'll have to pry on it a bit if it hasn't been off lately, and it's easy to miss one of the bolts like I did. Fortunately I didn't do any damage.

I think there are 12 bolts. Maybe someone else can confirm. Get the mating surface is very clean before attempting reinstallation. Use no sealant. Use no thread locker. Use a torque wrench for reinstallation. A small one.

 

Just 89 in lbs. torque. You’ll need to remove the engine lift brackets and possibly the air box support bracket.

Check this video out, get some popcorn!

 

By the way, normally you shouldn't need to replace the gaskets, just clean everything carefully. If you have a leak, maybe someone got sloppy when they had the valve cover off previously.