Installation Directions for a Valve Cover Gasket on a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
- 1). Clean the mating surfaces of the engine block and the valve cover. Scrape the old gasket from the surfaces, using a gasket scraper. Scrape the valve cover carefully, ensuring the surface isn't deformed or damaged with the scraper. Wipe the mating surfaces with a towel soaked in acetone to clear any small debris from both surfaces. Inspect the surfaces to make sure they have a clean, even surface.
- 2). Clean the surfaces of the threaded holes in the engine block, using a thread tap. Insert the tap into the holes, turning the handle to run the tap through the threads, removing any debris and restoring the threads.
- 3). Clean the surfaces of the valve cover bolts, using a bolt die. Run the bolts through a bolt die, turning the bolt through the die to clear any debris and restoring the threads.
- 4). Apply a small amount of RTV sealant to the two joints where the intake manifold and cylinder head meet.
- 5). Position the new valve cover gasket over the valves and place the valve cover on top of it. Finger-tighten the valve cover bolts.
- 6). Tighten the valve cover bolts, using a torque wrench. Start with the bolt in the center and tighten the bolt to 89 inch-pounds. Work outward, tightening the bolts to the same torque specification. Go over all of the bolts again with the torque wrench, ensuring they are all tightened to 89 inch-pounds.
