2001 Pontiac Grand Prix Valve Covers

[mikeso_81]

Hi,

Does anyone have step by step instructions (Pictures and what type of tools would be nice) on how to install valve cover gaskets on a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GT?

Thanks

[andretti]

The right side cover is the hardest to do because of the belt tensioner.
1) Disconnect negative battery connection
1) Remove the air intake duct from throttle body (disconnect the IAT air temp.sensor wire too)
TENSIONER:
2) Drain the cooling system and remove the coolant overflow bottle
3) Remove the serpintine drive belt (wrench on tensioner pulley to relieve tension)
4) Remove the alternator wiring and alternator
5) Remove the heater hoses from tensioner (you can take off hose with the plastic adapter attached)
Remove tensioner bolts & tensioner
6) Remove both engine mount struts ...again?
7) Remove the plug wires (twist them loose first)
8) Remove the EVAP purge solenoid and bracket
9) Remove the engine lift bracket from exhaust manifold
10) Finally, remove the valce cover bolts and cover (if it seems stuck just tap it loose with a rubber mallet)

[mikeso_81]

Beside the new rubber gasket, do the valve covers need new rubber grommets?

[andretti]

I like the FelPro gaskets. The cover set, VS50080R does not include the grommets. It's only about $12 more for the ES72833 grommet set.
Either put a dab of RTV to the underside if they look o.k. or replace them. For all the work involved, I would replace them.

[mikeso_81]

The rubber one (VS50080R) looks pretty good but I found felpro 1600 (cork rubber) which is a few more bucks. Do you think that the felpro 1600 would be a good fit? As for RTV, can you just put the gasket on the valve cover along with the new gromments or should you seal it with RTV.

[andretti]

You'll find it difficult to keep the gasket in place without some form of adheasive. Either a thin coat of RTV or gasket tac would work. I've never used the cork-rubber but usually more costly is better (?)

[BNaylor]

In most case you do not need any adhesive, sealant or RTV silicone to install the valve cover gaskets or hold them on to the valve covers. The rubber seal is a push on form fit. Make sure the surface is properly cleaned before installing.

The gasket kits like FelPro brand, also AZ Duralast should come with rubber grommets for the valve cover bolts. Do not use any sealant on these. Torque valve cover bolts in proper sequence to 89 in-lbs. Work from inside bolts and crosshatch pattern and work to outer. Total of 6 bolts for each valve cover.