Question

Why should the valve cover and heads surface be cleaned before you install the engine cover

Answer 1

The valve cover is located on the top of the engine. Some engines will have the valve covers mounted to the side or in a “V” configuration.

It includes the valves, the valve springs, and even the camshafts. These parts are continuously lubricated with oil to reduce friction. If the valve cover and head surface not cleaned performance of valve functioning will get to damage, friction will increases, oil leakage will start. This oil is constantly splashed around within this system and the valve cover keeps the oil inside of the engine.  If the valve cover becomes loose or if the gasket material fails, the oil will begin to leak.

Most valve covers will start leaking slowly without any effect on the engine. Over time, the leak will become larger and the engine oil will begin to coat different parts on the outside of the engine.

If the leak continues for a long period of time, it may start to affect the way the engine runs. A leak can cause the engine to have a very strong smell of burning oil, and in some serious cases, it can even cause a fire if enough oil gets onto the exhaust system.