How to Replace the Valve Cover Gasket in a Mercury Cougar

If your 1995 through 1999 Mercury Cougar has smoke coming from the engine and is leaking oil then this is a sign that you need to replace the valve cover gasket. If you have not experienced this and you have driven more than 100,000 miles then performing this preventive maintenance will save you a lot of headache and heartache in the long run.

Instructions

1

Allow the engine to cool. Lift the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable. Locate and disconnect the air intake resonators. Remove the ignition wires and separators. Unplug the oil feed sensor connector.

2

Locate and disconnect the crankcase ventilation tube from the valve cover. Locate the retaining bolt and nut for the power steering pressure hose bracket-to-engine lifting eye. Remove it using a 9/16 mm wrench. Move the power steering hose out of the way.

3

Locate and remove the upper timing belt cover. Starting from the outside and working in remove the valve cover gasket bolts. Lift and remove the valve cover. Remove the valve cover gasket. This may require that you use a flathead screwdriver to coax the valve cover gasket out of the gasket seating area.

4

Clean the gasket seating area with automotive engine cleaner, a scrub brush and a clean cloth. Place the new gasket in the gasket seating area and O-rings into the valve cover. Replace the valve cover. Using a torque wrench, tighten the bolts in sequence.

5

Reverse the steps used to remove the parts initially, to reinstall the parts. Add oil to the vehicle. Start the engine and allow the engine to run idle for 10 to 15 minutes. This will allow the oil to move to the top of the engine.