How to Change the Valve Cover Gasket on a 1996 Nissan Sentra

Many men and women tackle car repairs in their own garages, especially for older cars. Replacing the valve cover gasket for a 1996 Nissan Sentra is one task some do-it-yourselfers attempt on their own instead of paying a mechanic. These steps are helpful for those wanting to wear the home mechanic cap and save money on car repairs.

Instructions

1

Prepare the Nissan Sentra for your valve cover work by disconnecting the negative battery cable. Gather your necessary tools including a socket wrench with extension, scraper and towel, new valve cover gasket, RTV silicone sealer and clean oil. All of the car repair items are available for purchase at auto parts stores like AutoZone. Department stores like Sears and Wal-Mart also sell tools.

2

Remove the oil pan plug and drain the oil. Then remove the front exhaust tube followed by the center cross-member assembly and the side support brackets. Now, remove the oil pan bolts with the socket wrench, and use an extension if necessary.

3

Take the oil pan out from the engine block using a seal cutter tool. Do not use a screwdriver or pry bar because they could cause damage to flange or aluminum mating surfaces leading to valve or gasket failure.

4

Clean the sealing areas with a gasket removal compound, or a general-purpose degreaser, with a scraper or wire brush before you install the new valve cover gasket. Leaving any debris causes damage to the gasket and ultimate gasket failure.

5

Apply RTV sealer to the rear oil seal retainer and put on a continuous bead of liquid gasket to the oil pan mating surface. Then reinstall and tighten the oil pan mounting bolts, followed by the support brackets, then the center cross-member and finally the front exhaust tube.

6

Install and tighten the oil pan plug with a new gasket. Then reconnect the negative battery cable. Let 30 minutes pass and then refill the oil pan with clean oil. Turn on the car and check for leaks.