Changing the Valve Cover Gasket!!

[Hit the Brakes]

I have an oil leak which appears to getting worse (in my 98 Transport). I have narrowed it down to the rear of the engine, and am told that this is most likely the rear valve cover gasket. I have enough knowledge and ability to perform this task.

I just wondered if any of you had done this and if there is anything I should be aware of or watch out for?????
Thanks!!

[eleveniron]

Going to be fun. I just did my intake manifold gaskets today and only took the top two bolts out of the rear valve cover. You're probably going to want to remove the front two engine struts, put the tranny in Neutral and use a ratchet strap to rotate the engine forward a few inches to help. This is the shop procedure for the rear plugs too.

Other than that, I don't know how you could reach the lower two bolts unless you tried from below the vehicle.

Steve

[sloechli]

I have a 93 transport with the 3.8 engine
Shop told my small oil leak is probably valve cover gaskets.
How tough a job is it on this vehicle. Any special instructions, I saw a post that described having to tilt engine, but could not tell if it was the same engine.

Steve

[LMP]

Tilting the engine forward is mentioned with the 3.8 also, specially about changing spark plugs, so it can help for the valve cover too. THe 3.8 is much wider...But this is how I did the spark plugs....I do not know it it gives better access to valve cover but it might let you figure out the oil leak origin....
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=599442
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