I have a visible leak where oil has blown on to the tranny cover and off of the screws on the front bottom part of the engine, dripping right on to the exhaust manifolds......thus instantly turning to a gross smelling white smoke. How hard is it to replace this valve cover and does anybody have pics?!? A how to would be wonderful, and this is becoming rather serious. THANKS!!

What year, trim level, and engine do you have? It would be helpful if you added that to your profile. The valve cover gaskets are relatively easy to do, especially once you get stuff out of the way. The one toward the front of the car is easier than back by the firewall, because less stuff is in the way.

Have you checked for other problems? Valve covers on our cars seldom leak so much that they give the symptoms that you are describing. You may smell some oil, but not where you have a lot of smoke.

Sorry about my trim and whatnot.......my signature somehow turned off. It is pretty bad. Like I said....I've taken the plastic cosmetic engine cover off to really get a good look.

A couple of the studs that hold the valve cover to the engine are absolutly coated in burnt oil....that in turn leaks down onto this stainless cylandrical-looking thing resting between the 2nd and 3rd exhaust manifolds.

The instant it hits the manifold....boom...you have white smoke. The tranny case and entire right side of the engine block are also pretty wet from the oil blowing onto it when I am driving. Obviously the only time I smell the oil is when I am stopped a a light and such.

I went to autozone and they said it was most likely the gasket alone....but I am pretty lost. As previously stated by another member, the oil loss is not measurable by dipstick, but it sure has made one helluva mess!! Any thoughts anyone?

While you're checking things, check along the lower intake manifold for things that look like this.


That'* from Brianj'* car in this thread.
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ic.php?t=68369

If you have had the LIM gaskets yet, you could have a leak there developing. Even if it is not leaking, this would be a good time to do the whole job, as the valve covers are easier to down while things are torn down.

Well, I can't say that I see that problem....however I do have odd amounts of antifreeze missing a couple times a year. I think I should be ok on that front. However, my valve gaskets are worse than I imagined after closer inspection. Anyone have how to'* or suggestions? Is it worth DIY or should I take it somewhere. Also, how much harder is it to change the LIM while the valves are being serviced?

The front gasket is fairly straight forward with the items you can easily see. I'm a different year..however in my case.. Loosen the engine hoist bracket, unbolt valve cover and remove old gasket.. clean both surfaces well..install new gasket and reverse the rest of procedure. The ICM bracket may be in your way also.

Here'* a link to AllData'* information on removing it. It'* for the L36, but is basically the same for the L67. Removing the lift bracket is not required, but it does make it easier to maneuver with it at least loosened. You can get by without removing the ICM, but be careful during installation that you don't knock the gasket out of place.

http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AF...4736/100527124

Wow guys......thanks sooooo much! I am off to autozone to buy the gasket ($64.00.....I know that'* a little pricey) but........today I have off, and nobody else around seems to have one in stock. I'm going to Detroit (about a 200 mile drive) tomorrow for the auto show. I'll post the verdict on my progress later this afternoon. Thanks again everyone.....especially Archon

Well guys.....it seems to be a success. The entire procedure took a little over 2-1/2 hours but that was going at a very safe and slow pace. I took the valve cover in and washed it all down and cleaned up the engine compartment from where the oil spillage occured.

The hardest part was jockeying all of the damned wires around to squeeze this thing on and off. There was one harness that appeared to be a ground clip located underneath the supercharger directly behind the spark interface. This rediculous piece held up the whole works, as it had no "play" whatsoever and secured by an enormous bolt which happened to be the same sized bolt which hold the rotors in place on the wheels!!!

There was one question I still have and that is........above the top 2 bolts holding the valve case on, ther are 3 plugs, into which white tubes go in the engine. Any idea what those do ??(they also were a pain to deal with)

On a side note, the smell has gone away for the most part and I did as much cleaning as I could. I guess now all I have to do is wait for the remaining oil to burn off. I was somewhat disturbed by the condition of the gasket that I replaced, as it did not really look bad. The area around the gasket had caked on oil inside and out, so it must have had a leak.

I couldn't have done it without you guys. Thanks a million!!

Those three white things are the fuel injectors. You shouldn't have had to mess with them for a valve cover swap.