[tempfixit]

Originally Posted by patriot777

I have a '99 Mercury Villager (same as the Quest) and the top of the engine surrounding the oil cap is leaking oil towards the front of the car. I assume thats called the valve cover and I assume the leak is from the valve cover gaskets?

Is this a pretty straightforward repair? I assume I just remove the screws and it will come off? It looks like there might be a tricky screw by the distributor? Has anyone done this before....any problems I need to be aware of?

Also, whats the difference between a valve cover gasket and a valve cover gasket with grommets? Where do the grommets go?

Thanks tons in advance for everyone willing to help me out!

Have you by chance checked to make sure the bolts are not just loose????

I have not done this on this vehicle to date but should be straight forward like you say. I will look at my 99 later but the front cover is usually quite simple as the rear is a different story. The rear cover You need to remove the upper plenium to gain access to the cover.

Here is the procedure to remove valve cover (rocker arm cover) from the autozone.com repair info site. Free just need to register.

left side (front)

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Disconnect the heated oxygen sensor electrical connector, located at the end of the rocker arm cover. Unclip the connector from the cover.
3. Disconnect the breather hose from the rocker arm cover.
4. Remove the nine rocker arm cover screws.
5. Remove the rocker arm cover and gasket. Discard the old gasket. It may be necessary to tap the cover with a rubber mallet to break the seal with the cylinder head.

To install:

1. Clean the rocker arm cover and cylinder head gasket surfaces. A gasket scraper and solvent may be used, however, be careful not to nick or gouge either surface.
2. Attach the new gasket to the rocker arm cover.
3. Position the rocker arm cover on the cylinder head and install the screws.
4. Tighten the screws to 9-26 inch lbs. (1-3 Nm).
5. Install the breather hose and heated oxygen sensor connector.
6. Connect the negative battery cable.
7. Check the engine oil level. Run the engine and check for leaks.

NOTICE THAT THE TORQUE SPECS SAYS INCH POUNDS NOT FOOT POUNDS.

Here is a link with the valve cover gasket available with and without the grommets: GROMMETS go on the bolts themselves that hold the valve cover in place.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/se...ger&vi=1356588

Here is a link for the FSM:

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/

Scoll down to QUEST, click on it, choose year then go to section EM.pdf, page 26. SHows a pic of valve cover gasket and bolts with the grommet and washer.

Hope this helps