How much does it cost to replace a valve cover gasket on a Chevy Malibu?

Cost of Replacing Valve Cover Gasket on Chevy Malibu
The average cost for replacing a valve cover gasket on a Chevy Malibu is between $175 and $212. However, this cost can vary from car to car.
The valve cover gasket is a crucial component that keeps engine oil from leaking out. If you notice oil leaking on the ground beneath your car after it is parked, it indicates a significant leak that needs to be found and repaired as soon as possible. Any leak means your oil level is dropping as you drive the car, so it’s important to check your oil more frequently than usual to avoid running low on oil and potentially damaging the engine.
It’s worth noting that the vast majority of valve cover gaskets only require simple tools to replace, but the procedures can vary widely from car to car. In some cases, significant disassembly of the top end of the engine may be required to remove the valve cover, so it’s often best to let a professional mechanic handle the job.

Is valve cover gasket a big job?

Replacing a valve cover gasket is fairly basic but the procedure varies by engine. The toughest part is usually getting to the valve cover itself. Step 1: The first step may be the last step. Before tearing everything apart, first try gently cinching down the valve cover bolts or use a torque wrench.

How serious is a valve cover gasket leak?

Misfires. With a bad gasket, the oil is able to leak into the spark plug wells and eventually soak the spark plugs. This can result in your engine misfiring, which is the failure of a cylinder to ignite during the engine’s cycle. Misfires will result in reduced performance, and the spark plugs will need to be replaced.

Is it worth replacing valve cover gasket?

Replacing a faulty valve cover gasket is an important step in maintaining the health of your vehicle’s engine. The cost of replacement is relatively low compared to the potential damage that can be caused by continuing to drive a vehicle with a leaking gasket.

What is the lifespan of a valve cover gasket?

A cork type gasket will normally last many years, but eventually it will become brittle and stat to weep. An overheated engine will accelerate this so the best time to change it is either when it is leaking, or when the cover is off for maintenance as you can then feel if the gasket is hard.

Is a valve cover leak expensive to fix?

What is the typical valve cover gasket replacement cost? The typical total cost of a valve gasket replacement is around $110 – $340 depending on the make and model of the vehicle. The parts cost very little – perhaps $10 to $40.

How long does it take for a mechanic to replace a valve cover gasket?

In most cases, you can replace a valve cover gasket in roughly 1-2 hours. However, this could take up to 5-6 hours if there are a lot of parts in the way or if your old valve cover gasket is stuck and requires some time to remove.

How long can you drive a car with a bad valve cover gasket?

2 days would be a good safe bet. But at least overnight. If you drive it within an hour it’s guaranteed to start leaking sooner than later. What problems can a bad valve cover gasket cause?

Is valve cover gasket an easy fix?

Replacing a valve cover gasket is fairly basic but the procedure varies by engine. The toughest part is usually getting to the valve cover itself. Step 1: The first step may be the last step. Before tearing everything apart, first try gently cinching down the valve cover bolts or use a torque wrench.

Is it OK to drive with leaking valve cover gasket?

As oil is essential for your engine to properly function, it’s not wise to drive with a damaged rocker cover gasket, as the further you drive, the higher the risk of engine wear and eventual seizure of its moving parts.

How long can you drive a car with bad valve cover gasket?

How long can you drive your vehicle when you need to repair/replace the valve cover gaskets? You can drive it until one of the two following conditions occur: A significant enough amount of oil leaks out, causing low oil pressure and damage to the engine.