Valve cover gasket replacement?

[santacarl]

Hey Folks,

Does anyone have an idea how long it takes to replace 2 valve cover gaskets and the oil sending/sensing unit on an SSei?

[Sirius]

If you're like me, you think you can do it in 2 hours and it winds up taking 6.

[santacarl]

If you're like me, you think you can do it in 2 hours and it winds up taking 6.

Haha...Yeah that would be me...only probably worse. I usually have to break something first before I can actually repair it. That usually triples the time for me!!

[harofreak00]

The front valve cover is easy, less than 10 minutes for a first timer. Nothing in the way, 6-3/8" bolts.

The rear valve cover has a lot in the way before you can get at it. The alternator/tensioner bracket goes over the edge of the valve cover and you must remove it to be able to get the cover out of there. Coolant runs through the bracket to the heater hoses. If you recently replaced the coolant elbows and have the aluminum elbows and new o-rings you should be able to pull it out of the way every so slightly to clear the valve cover without having to open the cooling system. If the elbows are plastic, plan on them breaking, meaning it just turned into a completely different job. If you're doing the elbows and the valve cover gaskets, you might as well do the water pump and intake gaskets as well.

[santacarl]

The front valve cover is easy, less than 10 minutes for a first timer. Nothing in the way, 6-3/8" bolts.

The rear valve cover has a lot in the way before you can get at it. The alternator/tensioner bracket goes over the edge of the valve cover and you must remove it to be able to get the cover out of there. Coolant runs through the bracket to the heater hoses. If you recently replaced the coolant elbows and have the aluminum elbows and new o-rings you should be able to pull it out of the way every so slightly to clear the valve cover without having to open the cooling system. If the elbows are plastic, plan on them breaking, meaning it just turned into a completely different job. If you're doing the elbows and the valve cover gaskets, you might as well do the water pump and intake gaskets as well.

Thanks for the response Harogreak00..... I figured the front one would be pretty simple but wasn't sure about the rear one and the oil sending unit. I'd replaced the elbows a few years ago with aluminum ones due to the inevitable leak from the cheap plastic ones. I couldn't understand then why in the world they would use plastic ones.....Grrrrrrr. Hopefully the o-rings are still viable. So I'm guessing the timing on that rear one is an "it depends" answer...

[Sirius]

The oil sending unit isn't bad to do while you do an oil change. It's right there by the oil filter.

[santacarl]

The oil sending unit isn't bad to do while you do an oil change. It's right there by the oil filter.

Thanks Sirius...I hadn't ventured underneath to find it....Don't have a lift so it's sort of a pain to get underneath and wasn't ready to change the oil yet when I'd have to get out the ramps anyhow to get underneath. Just doing my homework about the potential time required.

[Sirius]

Sometimes a search in "TechInfo" can strike gold:

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 17496.html

[santacarl]

Sometimes a search in "TechInfo" can strike gold:

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 17496.html

Well...duh on me. Why didn't I think of looking there?

Thanks for the link.... Looks easier than I thought it would be.

[nos4blood70]

Oil sending unit is best done when the oil filter is off. It is some crazy size, I think 30mm or bigger. So an adjustable wrench or some big pliers will help.

Don't skimp on the sensor. I've gone through like 3 or 4 of them.

[dougtoth]

The size is 27mm.
I bought a deep 27mm socket and it works great.
Also use a stubby extension on the ratchet to make it easier.
It can be done with oil filter on but it is more accessible with it off.
5 minute job with oil filter off.
As far as brands go I have been using Auto Zone.
They been holding up well and when it did fail I just returned it for a no charge replacement.
Its not OEM but the price was right and has a lifetime warranty.