How do you change a valve cover gasket on a 1989 beretta GT?

Answer 1

First locate the valve cover. If the motor is a 4 cylinder there will only be one valve cover. If it is a 'v6' it will have two as well as v8 automobiles. With a Socket wrench and extention locate the valve cover bolts that go around the cover bolting it to the top of the engine (cylinder head.) Usually the valve cover will have the 'Oil Filler' cap on it. (Where you add oil to the engine...) With the correct size socket remove the bolts that hold down the valve cover. Lift the valve cover up and away from the cylinder head. You may need to strike it with a soft mallet to get it to release. Once it's off you will see the rockers/springs. Be careful to keep the old gasket debrey from entering the rocker valley. With a razer scrap all remaining gasket from the cylinder head. Some gaskets have an "UP" side so make sure you look over your gasket for any indicators. Then apply your new gasket. Then put your valve cover back on carefully so your new gasket does not move. Slide the bolts back into place and tighten from the middle out. Tighten the bolts until they just about snug then move to the next opposing bolt. So Center, Bottom Center, Left, Bottom Left, Right, Bottom Right etc. Once they are all snug go back and turn the wrench another half turn to tighten them up. *Do Not Over Tighten The Bolts.* or damnage to the gasket or bolt breakage may occur. If oil leaks from the cover check for loose bolts or gasket breakage.

Edit by Loosenut: Torque spec is 12lbs. for the valve cover bolts.