How to Change the Valve Cover Gasket on a Chevrolet Silverado
by Robert GoodThe Chevy Silverado pickup was introduced in 1975 as the higher line of the C/K pickup truck. C/K means that the Silverado is a 4x4 vehicle. The engines on these pickup trucks vary from a 4.3 L, 4.8 L, 5.3 L and the 6.0 L V6 and V8 engines. The valve covers are the metal rectangular-shaped covers on the top right and left sides of the engine. The valve covers run the length of the engine and can't be missed. The number of bolts that secure the cover to the engine will vary between engine sizes. Almost any Silverado owner with a basic knowledge of this truck can complete this job in about an hour.
Step 1
Park the Chevy Silverado on level ground and open the hood. Locate both valve covers on the top of the engine. If the engine is warm or hot, allow it to cool before proceeding.
Step 2
Remove the bolts that secure the valve covers to the engine using the ratchet set. Pull the valve covers off the top of the engine. Locate the valve cover gaskets on the edge that connects to the engine.
Step 3
Scrape the gaskets off of both valve covers using the thin metal scraper. Ensure that only the metal surface of the cover's edge is visible so that you know all of the old gasket is completely removed.
Step 4
Peel the paper cover on the edge of one of the new valve cover gaskets. Place the new gasket on the edge of one of the cover that connects to the top of the engine. Make sure that the gasket does not overlap with the edge of the cover on either side. Repeat for the other cover.
Step 5
Replace both valve covers to the engine and replace the securing bolts to the covers. Tighten the Silverado's valve cover securing bolts to the torque specifications for that specific truck using the torque wrench.
References
- "Chevrolet Silverado GMC Sierra: 1999 thru 2006 2WD and 4WD (Haynes Repair Manual)"; Ken Freund; 2008
- "Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra, 2007 thru 2009 (Haynes Repair Manual)"; Editors of Haynes Manuals; 2009
- "1994 GMC Chevrolet C/K Truck Service Manual (Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban)"; General Motors Corporation; 1993
Tips
- The V6 4.3 and 4.8 securing bolts will need to be tightened in a criss-cross pattern to 40 ft-lbs. Once all of the bolts are at 40 ft-lbs., tighten them to 80 ft-lbs. and then to 92.8 ft-lbs. Repeat for the 5.3 and 6.0 versions, but the last time you tighten the bolts, tighten them to 105 ft-lbs. Use the torque wrench to properly tighten the bolts.
Things You'll Need
- Ratchet set
- Thin metal scraper
- 2 new valve cover gaskets
- Torque wrench
Writer Bio
Living in Tucson, Ariz., Robert Good has been writing from 2003 on a wide variety of subjects ranging from sports, gardening and cooking to auto repair, home maintenance and travel. Good holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of the State of New York.
