Does the valve cover need to be replaced

Replacing the valve cover is crucial. The primary reason is that the aging of the valve cover gasket over time can lead to a decrease in sealing performance, which in turn can cause oil leakage and pose a threat to the stable operation of the engine. Furthermore, if the crankcase ventilation valve becomes clogged, the internal pressure will increase, which may force the oil to seep out through the aging valve cover gasket or other fragile points. In fact, the root cause of valve cover oil leakage in most cars (accounting for over 90%) is the corrosion and aging of oil seals. These leaked fluids may seep into the spark plug and interfere with its normal function.

Leakage of oil from the valve cover not only hinders engine heat dissipation, but may also trigger a series of chain problems. For example, oil may submerge spark plugs and cylinder lines, thereby affecting power output and increasing fuel consumption. In severe cases, oil leakage may even cause the timing belt to slip or break, resulting in damage to the engine. Therefore, once oil leakage is found in the valve cover, it should be immediately replaced at a professional repair station.

When the valve cover gasket leaks oil, it usually means that the seal has hardened, shrunk, or even broken, losing the necessary elasticity. In this case, a new valve cover gasket must be replaced immediately to maintain the normal operation of the engine. The valve chamber plays a crucial role in the engine structure, responsible for sealing the chamber where the valve ends are located, ensuring stable airflow and pressure inside the engine.