I took my car in to get serviced about a week ago and they recommended that I replace my lower valve cover gaskets. I believe they said there is a slight oil leak coming from there.

Now I have no idea what a good price is for this. They quoted it at $168. Is this an average price for that sort of repair?

Also, forgive the lack of knowledge, but are these same as the Lower Intake Gaskets that are talked about in this article: http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...e=article&k=38 , and if so is this a sign of impending doom for the UIM? I have a feeling that I'm going to need to get the repair mentioned in that article above done soon, since my car has almost hit 170,000 and I have no idea whether a new UIM has been put in or not.

Valve cover gaskets are just for the valve covers, and will only leak a little oil to the outside. The gaskets cost about 20 to 30 bucks.

We can take a look at it when we do your fogs, and I'll even help you change them and save you a few bucks (after we find out if you even need to).

The other issue with the UIM and LIM gaskets is a different issue, but one you should also be thinking about.

Any ideas why they would have said "lower" valve cover gaskets?

I don't know why they said lower valve cover gaskets, but on the estimate it just says valve cover gaskets, so they guy probably just messed up when he was telling me it.

WillWren, that would be great if we could look at those too. A friend of mine who is pretty well mechanically inclined said that they might need to be tightened down instead of replaced, but I guess we'll see.

assuming the L36 is like a L27 or a L67 it will take no more than 30 minutes. I have changed them on 3 (3800 powered) cars now and it was easy as pie.

Just lube up the gaskets real good and go easy when you tighen them back down.

Its just one of those things that you must replace every $1000 miles. Soft Rubber/Silicone Whatever they are made of fails with all the heat.

I recall them being under $15 as well for a set for Felpro (blue ones) from autozone.

tightening them down could eventually lead to a larger leak if one of the valve covers failed (cracked).

hmmm, thanks for the advice, Hans.

However, we're dealing with a car that is probably in near desperate need of LIM and UIM work as well. And if you're going to do valve covers, it'* best to just nail it all. You can do LIM gaskets, UIM repair and gaskets, valve cover gaskets, and TB cleaning in one day for under $150 with an Admin helping.