How to Replace Valve Cover Gasket in a VW Beetle

Your 1997 VW beetle is not yet a classic, but it may be one of your most valuable assets. As a result, you want to ensure that you keep up the maintenance to ensure that it is running in tip top shape. One form of this maintenance is to replace the valve cover gasket.

Instructions

1

Allow the car engine to cool. This can be accomplished by lifting the hood and letting the car sit idle for a while.

2

Locate the throttle housing body. Detach and remove the intake air boot and the accelerator cable. Locate the upper intake manifold and disconnect all hoses and electrical connectors.

3

Disconnect the pipe from the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (ERG) valve beneath the intake fold. This may not be applicable to all cars. Using the 10mm socket, remove the mounting bolts and support bracket for upper intake manifold and the manifold support bracket. Gently disconnect the upper manifold from the lower manifold. Using clean shop rags cover the open intake runners.

4

Locate the cylinder head cover and disconnect the crankcase breather valve. Using the torque wrench, remove the bolts. Remove the reinforcing strips from the cover. Unclip the upper camshaft drivebelt cover and remove it. Remove the small dust shield from the back of the sprocket.

5

Lift and remove the cylinder head cover. Using the flathead screwdriver gently remove the old gasket. Wipe the gasket seating area, removing any remnants that were left when the old gasket was removed. Place the new gasket in the gasket seating area.

6

Replace the parts that were initially removed by reversing the steps used to remove the gasket.