How to Replace the Valve Cover Gasket in a Jeep Grand Cherokee

Whether on the road or off road your 1995 through 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee needs to have the maintenance performed once you have driven 100,000 miles or more. This maintenance can prevent costly repairs due to an oil leak or smoke coming from your engine.

Instructions

Left Side

1

Disconnect the negative battery cables. Disconnect the hoses, wire connectors and pipe bracket. Remove the spark plug wires and clips from the retaining stud. Remove the valve cover retaining bolts using a 9/16 mm wrench.

2

Remove the valve cover. Using a flathead screwdriver gently nudge the gasket to coax it out of the gasket seating area. Using automotive engine cleaner and a clean cloth rag clean the gasket seating area.

3

Make sure that all debris, particles and oil are removed. Place the new gasket into the gasket seating area. Apply a pea sized amount of sealant to your finger tip and rub it along the entire length of the valve cover rail.

4

Allow the sealant to set for a few seconds. Immediately install the valve cover. Install the valve cover retaining bolts and tighten using a torque wrench. Connect all previously disconnected wires, hoses and brackets.

Right Side

5

Disconnect the battery cables. Disconnect and remove the air cleaner, air injection diverter and coil bracket. Disconnect the air hose from the air injection manifold, wire connectors and vacuum hoses.

6

Remove the spark plug wires and clip from the retaining stud. Disconnect the carburetor controls and remove from the bracket. Remove the valve cover retaining bolts.

7

Use automotive engine cleaner and a clean cloth rag to clean the gasket seating area to remove any debris, particles or oil. Place the new gasket into the gasket seating area.

8

Apply a pea sized amount of sealant to your finger tip and rub it along the entire length of the valve cover rail. Allow the sealant to set for a few seconds. Immediately install the valve cover. Install valve cover retaining bolts and tighten using a torque wrench.

9

Reconnect the carburetor controls, air injection diverter valve and coil bracket. Install the air cleaner and reconnect the battery cables.

10

Add oil to the Jeep and start the engine, allowing it to run idle for 10 to 15 minutes. Drive the Jeep a short distance to check for leaks.