Questions and Answers

Olds Cutlass Ciera Valve Cover Gasket Q. I have a 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera 2.8 liter V-6. The valve cover nearest the firewall leaks like a sieve! It this something I can replace? I know my way around cars, engines, etc. How hard or difficult is it to remove the cover and replace the gasket? Any idea on average time? Thanks...

A. There are only four bolts holding it on! Some of these cars had removable top engine struts or "dog bones" that you can take out the bolts to "tilt" the engine forward to work on rear bank. This should be up your alley. Give it a go! I would guess about two hours for a diy-er.

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT

1. Negative battery cable.
2. Brake booster vacuum line at bracket.
3. Rear alternator brace.
4. Serpentine belt.
5. Lines at alternator brace stud.
6. Alternator.
7. Loosen alternator bracket.
8. Bracket at rear of plenum.
9. Lift bracket, hoses and wires aside.
10. PCV valve.
11. Spark plug wires at spark plugs.
12. Valve cover.

CAUTION: If cover adheres to cylinder head, shear off by bumping end of Valve cover with palm of hand or rubber mallet. DO NOT SCRATCH SEALING FLANGE. CLEAN:

• Sealing surface on cylinder bead and valve cover with degreaser.

INSTALL OR CONNECT:

1. New gasket. Make sure gasket is seated properly in Valve cover groove.
2. Apply GM 1052917 RTV sealer in notch.
3. Valve cover 8-12 Nm (6-9 ft. lbs.) .
4. PCV valve.
5. Spark plug wires.
6. Bracket at back of plenum.
7. Wires, hoses and cables.
8. Alternator bracket. Tighten Bolts to 40-54 Nm (30-40 ft. lb.)
9. Alternator.

INSPECT:

• For oil leaks at sealing surfaces.
• Coolant leaks.
• Belt Tension.