I just took my forester in for a timing belt change. The mech told me that the Valve covers are leaking and wants to charge $400.00 to replace them. I told him NO. Is this job fairly straight-forward or is it complex. I have a good deal of experience with engines being that I have replaced a head on a 5 series BMW. Some let me know and the things I need to watch for and does and dont's.

 

Thanks

If you can do a head gasket then I am sure you can do a Valve covers. They are pretty easy...or they were on the old GL that I had...never had to do it on my WRX...but I can't imagine it being that bad...just make sure to lable and remove only what you have too...

Hopefully someone who has a forester will chime in too, but no it isn't terribly difficult. I have a legacy.

 

You will need new cover gaskets, the small ones for the bolts and spark plug seals I think.

 

I think there is only 3 (?) bolts holding each one on.

 

The hardest part is getting them out, you will probably have to take the battery and stuff like out. I know with my car one came through the top and one came out under the car.

 

$400 does seem a little steep.

Yeah 400 I think is really steep

HOLD IT!!!

 

Suggestion, try the easy thing first.

Subarus are notorous for the valve cover bolts to come loose. Check to make sure they are tight first.

 

nipper

Thank you I will try that first.

 

 

HOLD IT!!!

 

Suggestion, try the easy thing first.

Subarus are notorous for the valve cover bolts to come loose. Check to make sure they are tight first.

 

nipper

Just remember they only get torqued to 3-4 ft/lbs. Don't overtighten them to try and stop the leak.

Yesterday I replaced the valve cover gasket on my 92' Mazda B2200 because it developed a leak at 180,000 miles. Anyway I got all my tools out, bought the part, put my garage clothes on, chilled the beer, dimmed the lights to set the mood .. .. .. ..

 

 

the freakin bolts were all loose. I removed the valve cover with my fingers!!!

valve covers are typically very easy. just a couple tiny bolts, although one or two can sometimes be tricky to get too...but big deal, so it takes a couple minutes.

 

$400.....sure that didn't include anything else? if not, i'd never go back there or ask for an explanation. they were not being honest and if someone/some place isn't honest once, they'll do it again.

Get yourself a 10mm ratcheting wrench for the rear lower bolts on each side. A regular ratchet has too much depth. The most time-consuming part of the job will be cleaning out the grooves in the covers where the gaskets go.

 

Tom