Just wanted to say thanks to you and your wife taking the time to show how it’s done. I never thought I could work on my own vehicles until I started watching your channel. Times are tight and you’ve saved our family hundreds of dollars helping regular guys like me fix it myself. I really appreciate it. Thanks again, Matt-Iowa

You're like the automotive version of Bob Ross.

I find these videos informative and weirdly relaxing.

Thanks for the video. I did 1 valve cover gasket over 30years ago, I knew we didn't use a Torque spanner just a socket set. I have to do a Holden 202 engine old girl and starting worrying about torque. You have helped reassure my confidence to do it the way I was shown with a socket set. Much appreciated, Melbourne Australia.

I love your videos. Your last GM video identified 3 problems that I was having, the sheared off bolts on the exhaust, the service engine light due to the leaky intake manifold and the abs and brake lights on. I’ve repaired all myself and now have a truck that has 275,000 miles and runs like it’s brand new. PS, you were also right about the p430 code, I replaced my cats and when I cut them off, one was real bad and the other was only slightly screwed up. I’m sure I fried them driving the vehicle with a lean code for 2 years.

I’m kind of shocked you didn’t replace the grommets. They are the #1 reason for valve cover leaks with this setup. Very similar to Honda valve covers the grommets are the only thing applying pressure to the valve cover to seal it. The grommet rubber over time will compress and not apply clamping pressure to the gasket causing the leak. So by not replacing the grommets you will likely get another leak from the valve cover gasket. I’ve done hundreds of these and once I learned this I stopped getting reworks. The grommets are a pain to replace, they must be cut off because the rubber is really hard. The new grommets need to been heated up to make them flexible enough to push over the stud.

I really like the honesty at the end! thanks for putting out content!

Not only are these videos amazingly informative. He’s as calming and relaxing as Bob Ross!!! You’re the man wizard. Filling the void Bob Ross left!!!

Nice to see one done. I may have to do this one day to mine. I would have soaked the valve cover in solvent or degreaser before re-installing it though.

I love these GM V8s. Just a little maintenance and you can keep them going for a long time.

106 INCH POUNDS!!!....IS approximately 8.8 FOOT POUNDS!!! Just letting commenters know....which is about a good hand tight/ snug with a shorter ratchet. FYI... Good job on the vids Wizard... I apprectiate it. Im letting people know from my horror story of miss reading the gm torque specs.... And busting on of the bolts off in the head....😬😬....i ended up covering everthing up leather and fire blanket....and tacking a 6mm nut on the end of the stud sticking out about an 1/8 out of the head..waited for it to cool...and used a 10mm socket on it...and it backed out.😁😁

It's really in a way an easier job to diy than an oil change. I replaced mine years ago by myself on my old 96 Chevy Cavalier!

Thanks abunch. Did this in the driveway in freezing temps. Surprisingly easy.

Keepin it real Car Wizard. Hoovie would be stupid to not keep you working, not many mechanics like you still around.

Love that these videos are about the engine in my daily! Great Video!

first 2019 video from the wizard! all the best

My 2001 Suburban has a valve cover leak. Thank you for sharing this video. Great job!😀👍

Given that the ignition coils are mounted on top of the value covers; I would be reluctant to subject it to spray from the car wash. I enjoy your videos. Thanks

Happy new year wizard!

Another reason I prefer working on my 5.3 over my 5.4. It is an act of Congress doing anything on that modular.

Great video. Short and to the point ; appreciate it.

Love seeing the wizard at work!

I have to do this to a 2005 Chevy Silverado...thanks bro...these engines run smooth as silk

Thank you so much for this video I literally posted about this days ago. I couldn't find a video of someone talking about both sides then cleaning after installing new gaskets. You rock man.

Thanks for the video wizard, I got a leaking valve cover gasket on my 1998 pontiac firebird that I'll need to tackle. 👍🇺🇲

Great video saved me $800 and a car sale

I just got through watching all of your videos. But this one really resonated with me. This video gave me the courage to swap valve cover gaskets once I saw it. It totally cured my weepy-seepy engine. Did you find you had to remove the #8 ignition coil pack to get that last rack stud up under the firewall? Anyway, your advice and video helped me out 110%. The surgery victim was an '03 Silverado 1500 SS w/6L LQ9 engine, but that doesn't really matter, it seems the 4.somethings all the way up into the 6.whatchamacallits is the same gasket and grommet kit and layout. After the job, I idled her until hot, then changed the oil & filter to get any crud that may have fallen in, out. I'll degrease her after the next rain cycle and wash her inside out. She deserves it, and is still a clean, great running machine.

Happy New Year Wiz!

Thank you, very good video and explanation how to remove valve cover gasket

Thank you for your video it help me out to fix my truck 👍

The back bolt closest to the firewall on the passenger-side coil-pack bracket is very difficult to get to. I used a 10mm bent-neck, closed-end wrench and a small tapping hammer to loosen it and remove. ( i noticed you didn't film that part of the repair job. :) Some other mechanics say to use a long socket wrench with a wobbler and deep well 10mm socket, but i couldn't get it on the bolt because of the proximity of the firewall. Of course, when working with these smaller bolts and nuts, having a strong magnet retrieval tool is imperative to be able to finish the job because you'll always have at least one slip from your fingers.

Hello Car Wizard and Mrs. Wizard!

Gotta do this job on my 2003 Avalanche . Thanks for showing me how.

Thanks Car Wizard. I'll be likely doing this soon...

Thank you for the video...im subscribed and wont look any further anymore...

I like the part where you clean the grommet bolt holes with a greasy rag, then say '"thats ready to go back in". (with about 1/4" thick coating of grease and oil still on the valve cover). Just did my valve cover gaskets on 2003 corvette. It has been done a few years back by a mechanic. I figured I would "do it right", and not trust others. The GM repair manual has a statement that it is important to clean gasket contact surfaces thoroughly, and that any oil on surfaces could lead to oil leaks. I spent an hour on each cover cleaning them inside and out, and very carefully cleaning the bolt holes also. I use new grommets, as old ones were brittle. Also important is to properly torque the bolts!! being a mechanic, you probably have a feel for that, but proper torque is the way to go for newbies like me.

Thank you car wizard 👍🏼👍🏼

Hurray for the car wizard...ls motors rule for durability..

Thanks so much man, helped a lot!

Nice informative video! You need some "Solutions Finish" for the back plastic on that truck.

Great camera work too.

done many of those over the years. Good video for people who are beginning wrenching

I appreciate the honesty, about what’s going on in some shops.

Thank you for the video 😃

Good job, just needed the cover having a thorough clean before refitting..

I appreciate the straight talk at the end. If you're a home mechanic working on one car, sure- take the time to torque to spec. But for regular service shops, bust out the torque wrench when necessary.

Good job on an actual car people will own

Nice concise content. The videos keep getting better.

Wizard, this is none of my business but as I wouldn't to see you or anybody for that fact have this potential issue.. Get your blood pressure checked, you have the same deep breathing as my friend had (he has bit heavier but was well in shape and very active) and suffered from a severe stroke a couple months ago. All due to having his blood pressure being high years ago and not doing anything about it, but in the following year I noticed his breathing when working together seem very similar to yours. He was in his mid 40s, not saying this could be related to you but it's something to check out because you can't go back once you get hit with a stroke.

Great Channel !

Great video! Could you possibly mention the other problem with this...being the pressed-in pcv in some of the gm valve covers??? It is a notorius GM problem, causing smoke on start up and lots of blow by. Id love to hear a more in depth discussion on this. So many gm vehicles with this problem.

thank you!

When I use to work at a tire shop I loved when people put their lug nuts on backwards

Hi Wizard, glad to know I'm your nephew now!

Ah, so THAT is why your blue silicone gasket didn't have the little brass things in it. Bolts are not around the edge of the cover! Thank you Car Wiz! Maybe just me, I would have cleaned off that whole cover (diesel, kerosene, brake cleaner, or soap) while it was off.

I like watching you do this. But 47 years ago, I found out that I do not have the talent to do DIY auto repair. I still have the tools & rollaway. You know how to work on various brands, make and models. With labor rates ~ $100 an hour at dealerships, finding a good independent installer is hard to find.

This is the only engine I work on lol. I actually changed out my valve cover gaskets when I was checking the cylinder head casting marks. I accidently messed up the rivots on the side that has what I believe to be the PCV valve equivalent. I ended up having to remove 2 or 3 because they were loose and I was concerned that they would fall into by valvetrain. If I hadn't scrubbed them, they would have been fine.

Wizard is the best! love the content

You've already taught a lot of people good skills and hopefully this will be watched for centuries to come.

Wash the 2000~2006 engines and you'll be doing intake gaskets and bank-2 Knock Sensor before you know it!

Great content as usual! Very very good and never disappointing! The use of a torque wrench makes sense in critical services like on the head bolts.... The other majority of stuff if just fine when done by feel. You just need to improve the sound quality of the videos, maybe getting a new microfone?

Hey wizard, love the Neon story. I worked at a Subaru dealership in the early 00s. We’d have 3-4 engines or at a time for leaking head gaskets and it was a similar procedure. No machine shops or measuring, just scrape off the old gasket, slap a new one in there and reassemble. If it leaked again, Subaru issued bottles of factory stop leak.

Happy new year, keep this videos coming they are great.

I would've cleaned the whole valve cover before reassembly. Not necessary of course, but I just think it looks nicer.

I would have cleaned the valve cover. Great video!

Well I never have got around to owning one but it sure would be nice to have one of those basins with a brush and a hose that washes off all that nastiness with solvent so the part can be surgically clean before it goes back on. I think trying to wash that at the car wash with all that stuff in the way tucked into the engine would prettymuch suck.

Yo brother 😂 Where was this video 2 days ago. Had to do my 01 Y.XL & just understood the basics of how to do it, this video helped me know that I did it the right way. Great video! Very detailed, and satisfying.... 🤨

Twice my check engine light came on for the same problem in a span of eight months. Took it to dealership first time back in February or so, they couldn't find problem told me oil residue was on plug changed it out that was that. Week ago light comes on for second time so I get code myself with help of bro's reader. Cylinder 1 misfire. Changed out all the plugs now engine light off and running smoothly. Now I've learned that replacing the valve cover gasket is the actual solution to solving my engine problem. Thanks a bunch! -'13 Silverado 5.3

These are so much nicer to work on than those damn Ford trucks.

Good information but if I paid to have valve cover gaskets done and it came back from the shop with oily valve covers I would have a hard time giving that shop my money again. A couple minutes with some spray cleaner while it was off would go a long ways towards customer satisfaction in the work done.

Another great video from The Wizard.

To a new year of wizardry, cheers

Torque wrench is a must when assembling an engine

I’ve found saturating them innnon hardening gasket sealer and they’ll never leak again. 👍🇦🇺

I would have really liked to see how you did the passenger side valve cover also. Not just explaining how

Thank u wizard! How do u clean the coil packs if they covered in oil?

Great video

I'm doing this soon on my 2009 Volkswagen Routan. Do you suggest I spray silicone on like you did? Mine is Permatex coated and I don't think it should need anything extra. Most Amazon reviews said to just install it as is. Thanks

Nobody in their right mind should expect a mechanic to use a torque wrench on every bolt. Don't need to. You learn by experience what 80 foot-pounds or whatever is. DIY mechanics should use a torque wrench, though, especially on aluminum parts.

Wizzaaaard! Any chance you can do a video on Hoovies M5 Vanos lines/pump if you get the chance?

Wizard, shout out to your cameraperson. Best under-hood videos on the net

Man lots of room in that truck engine bay. Had a 1999 Camaro Z28, LS1 V8, they crammed 10lbs of shit into a 5lb bag on that car. Half the engine sat under the cowl, changing the #8 spark plug(passenger side by the firewall) was a real test in patience, probably wouldn't have been able to do it if I had really huge ass hands. Loved that car but hated working on it, saving grace was I didn't have to work on it much, it was very reliable.

Wizard I really enjoy these videos. I have the same problem with my car. Why don’t you tell us what you would charge for the repair . You could give us a range of prices so we would know if we were being over charged. Harold

Good information Thanks

Great video man

My 2006 Hummer H3 3.6L in line 5 with 130k miles on it. Had oil pressure light coming on & off for about a month, thought it was just a dirty sensor.. one day I smelt hot oil. Pulled over & had a little smoke coming from under the hood. Popped the hood & there was oil splattered all over the top left hans side of the engine. Mechanic changed the oil switch, but it didn't fix the problem. He can't find the leak.. says he thinks I need an entire engine rebuild & he doesn't have the resources to do it, but recommended a few mechanics around town. Could the valve cover gasket possibly be the case or do you have any advice or tips you might think its leaking? I dont have $5k to put in a new motor & I absolutely love my h3. Just bought it a year ago... anything helps. Great video! New subscriber! 👍

I would just maybe use shop air to blow any dirt build up off on and around valve cover so it doesn't fall inside especially with maneuvering it around to get it out and in

Do you have a Part washer?

My Neon had the lift, slide, and drop done. It lasted another 40,000 miles then I ended up replacing the head because some bit of the old gasket got stuck between the mating surfaces and over time and heat cycles ended up letting water from a water jacket into the cylinder. Sure it never came back and bit the dealer mechanic who did a crappy job, but I as the customer ended up eating the cost down the road because they were too lazy to follow the proper process using the proper roloc discs to clean the block and head surfaces, much less use the correct sealant on the MLS gasket that Chrysler recommended.

16:37 can this guy be any more authentic? lol oh and Hi Ethan!! Your uncle is an amazing mechanic and is a KZfaqR!!!

I agree with the torque issue, I have actually snapped the head off of a bolt using a correct torque setting, albeit with a stainless bolt. Actual feel for the bolt is better generally.

230k miles and my 2011 5.3 finally started doing this. Its at 240k now i left the car world for good reason and now work on john deere tractors im so burned on cars i dont even want to tackle this project yet its the most simple valve cover ever😂 after 30 plus minutes of driving it reaks of burning oil

How about a heater core replacement video

A pro does not have time to clean, but it would be best to clean that valve cover before putting it back on, really can't clean it with the coils on top.

The only place place I use a torque wrench is on the wheels after a while you get a feel for it by arm tightening

In good shape for 02

cant tell on the video but the driver side has the pvc valve on it its a good idea to clean out the cover really good so the oil can flow better also if your gunked up at all taking off the valves really quick and cleaning it out really good spray some cleaner down the push rods is a good idea for long Gevity they like to get gunked up oil flow is so important in LS engines CHANGE YOUR OIL run some cleaner in them form time to time 300k plus motar boys doesn't get any better. thanks engine wizard bob ross lol

Nice job!

Yep.

You're a majestic creature car wizard.