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Ask Cars: Valve cover gasket replacement (self.cars)

submitted 8 months ago by ido to c/cars

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Hello! I own a 08 Acura TL that has an oil leak from a bad valve cover gasket. I took it to my mechanic for some other things, but also wanted a quote for a replacement. The number they gave me was too high for my liking, and I did some research and decided to attempt the replacement myself. The shop would've done a spark plug replacement as well, so I also plan to do that. My issue is I have never done work on a car, not even an oil change. In total so far, I need 2 sets of valve cover gaskets, spark plugs, an intake plenum gasket, and maybe an air filter boot (since I've heard they have a tendency to crack, if anyone has a good source please let me know). What other parts should I preventatively replace, and what are the normal steps to working on the top of the engine?

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I'm honestly not sure what a plug boot is. What I've seen is for the coil -on-plug style they're one piece and no need to replace unless one dies and even then you just replace the bad one. The connectors on them can also have goofy locking connectors that are likely easy to break so just pay attention.

A torque wrench that will work with those small valve cover bolts will be a 3/8" one and be able to measure inch lbs. (Aka small values).

While this isn't a foolproof tip, if you call AutoZone, or Acura and ask if they have plug boots for your car and they say no that would be at least a decent indicator they're not normal maintenance items. Use that forum to search and see what they are if people are changing them.

[–] vivavideri 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Plug boots are the little grippy bits on your ignition coil that the spark plug fits into. They wear out eventually-- Rockauto.com has them, had to pop new ones on 06 rav4 because it got cranky after checking the spark plugs. (I'm not a mechanic, but a spiteful 01 Subaru owner who refused to dish out 5k for a gasket job and elected to diy.) OP, make sure you have your service manual for torque specs.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago

I assumed that by the name I just wasn't aware they were two pieces.