Valve Cover Gasket Writeup
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CF Veteran

Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10,431
Likes: 64
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
1: Gather your tools. You will need a 11m Socket/Wrench, Ratchet, VC Gasket. You may need a screwdriver, small hammer.
Optional: Paint, Masking Tape, Newspaper, 1/4" socket.
2: Begin removing your VC bolts, there are many along the perimeter. The rear bolt is a PITA.

3: Remove the VC, I had to tilt mine to the left to get it out of there. You may need to use a screwdriver to carefully pry up on the front of the VC, a more "violent" method is to smack the side of the VC with a hammer.

4: This is a good time to clean the inside of the VC, I used brake cleaner (almost a whole can) and a rag to clean it. It is also a good time to remove the CCV orifices and clean them. Mine where full of sludge. (Requires 1/4" socket)

5: If you are not painting, skip to step 11.
6: Degrease outside of VC. I used brake cleaner again. Wipe down with a rag.
7: Wash VC with hot soap and water, dish soap is good because it is made to break down oils.
8: Rinse.
9: Mask off the areas you do not want paint on, CCV orifices, oil fill hole, etc.

10: Begin painting. I used High temp black paint, Use whatever you want but remember that it will get pretty hot (2-300*) I recommend Lots of coats. Allow to dry.

11: Begin installing the gasket, the instructions that came with my Felpro gasket recommended supergluing it to the VC in a few spots. I used "Form a Gasket 2" in a small bead around the perimeter.

12: Install the VC, Mine was a PITA to get back into place.
Make sure you do not knock the gasket out of place.

13: Torque bolts down. I dont know the exact specs, I just made sure they where tight.
14: You are done! Take it for a ride.
Optional: Paint, Masking Tape, Newspaper, 1/4" socket.
2: Begin removing your VC bolts, there are many along the perimeter. The rear bolt is a PITA.

3: Remove the VC, I had to tilt mine to the left to get it out of there. You may need to use a screwdriver to carefully pry up on the front of the VC, a more "violent" method is to smack the side of the VC with a hammer.

4: This is a good time to clean the inside of the VC, I used brake cleaner (almost a whole can) and a rag to clean it. It is also a good time to remove the CCV orifices and clean them. Mine where full of sludge. (Requires 1/4" socket)

5: If you are not painting, skip to step 11.
6: Degrease outside of VC. I used brake cleaner again. Wipe down with a rag.
7: Wash VC with hot soap and water, dish soap is good because it is made to break down oils.
8: Rinse.
9: Mask off the areas you do not want paint on, CCV orifices, oil fill hole, etc.

10: Begin painting. I used High temp black paint, Use whatever you want but remember that it will get pretty hot (2-300*) I recommend Lots of coats. Allow to dry.

11: Begin installing the gasket, the instructions that came with my Felpro gasket recommended supergluing it to the VC in a few spots. I used "Form a Gasket 2" in a small bead around the perimeter.

12: Install the VC, Mine was a PITA to get back into place.
Make sure you do not knock the gasket out of place.


13: Torque bolts down. I dont know the exact specs, I just made sure they where tight.
14: You are done! Take it for a ride.
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