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Hello,
I was at the shop having my oil changed today and was chatting with one of the techs about the next preventative maintenance item I should address with my 124k mile 2005 Corolla (1.6 L 1ZZ-FE). Somehow we got on the topic of valve covers and he said that valve cover gaskets should be replaced as a regular maintenance item, and that with my car at 120k miles, it was due. My father was with me and we were both shocked. We’ve had loads of cars go way into the 200k mile range with the original valve cover gaskets, never needed to replace one. He further informed me that I should replace “all of the seals” in my car, and that “a gasket and seal kit would run you only $120”. What the heck is this guy talking about?
I certainly wouldn’t mind replacing the valve cover gasket but I don’t want to do pointless work. I’d appreciate any advice you guys can offer.
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That tech is feeding you BS and only wants to rob you of your money for work that does not need to be done. Valve cover gaskets do not need to be replaced unless they are showing signs of leaking and are not considered to be a mainenance item. As for the “all the seals in the car” thing, once again I would not replace anything unless it shows signs of damage or leakage. That tech is just trying to make money off of you, at least in my opinion.
I should have specified that he knows I do my own maintenance (except oil changes…I hate doing that myself). He was just trying to help.
For most vehicles there is no “recommended” interval for valve cover gaskets just as needed. Like you I’ve had a few 200k cars with the original gasket.
[quote=”hondapartshero” post=30863]For most vehicles there is no “recommended” interval for valve cover gaskets just as needed. Like you I’ve had a few 200k cars with the original gasket.[/quote]
+1
In the last 30 years I have yet to see any service manual say to replace a valve cover gasket after xyz mileage or time. He may have been trying to be helpful, but IMO it was bad advice. Now, if you are in there doing a valve lash adjustment or some such thing and the gasket has been in there for 10 years then by all means replace it.
I agree with the above post. If you are doing a valve adjustment, then it would be wise to change it at that time. But I stick to the old motto “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
I agree with the above post. If you are doing a valve adjustment, then it would be wise to change it at that time. But I stick to the old motto “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
[quote=”MD1032″ post=23068]I should have specified that he knows I do my own maintenance (except oil changes…I hate doing that myself). He was just trying to help.[/quote]
The only thing he was trying to, “help”, is the amount of your money in his wallet!
I’ve spent 25+ years in the automotive repair/maintenance industry and gaskets of any type are not a scheduled maintenance item! There’s no need to ever replace a gasket unless it leaks.
You have unfortunately come across a dishonest person and are being lied to. Run away and never go back!
To help other consumers to not be ripped off, you should report this crook to your state’s Office of Consumer Affairs and the Better Business Bureau!
[quote=”MD1032″ post=23068]I should have specified that he knows I do my own maintenance (except oil changes…I hate doing that myself). He was just trying to help.[/quote]
The only thing he was trying to, “help”, is the amount of your money in his wallet!
I’ve spent 25+ years in the automotive repair/maintenance industry and gaskets of any type are not a scheduled maintenance item! There’s no need to ever replace a gasket unless it leaks.
You have unfortunately come across a dishonest person and are being lied to. Run away and never go back!
To help other consumers to not be ripped off, you should report this crook to your state’s Office of Consumer Affairs and the Better Business Bureau!
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