Hi,

I have a Camaro 91 V6 w/ manual transmission and yesterday I noticed that while driving there was smoke coming from the right side of the engine (near EGR valve). I believe the valve gasket is leaking.

Do I need to remove the upper plenum, fuel rail, lower plenum and then remove the valve cover ?
If/any other things I need to remove or think about ?

Does anyone have pic of all the steps on how to replace the gasket ?

Many thanks !

 

No one has ever changed valve gasket on a thirden camaro

No need for pic if no one has it, just explanation in text would be fine.

 

To do a valve cover gasket, yes you have to pull the plenum and fuel rail. You will also have to remove the EGR/tube and coil/bracket. Get a Haynes manual if you are going to do this, not only will it have the steps, but the torque specs and sequence for the intake. For $20, it will come in very handy. Also, get new injector o-rings, its cheap insurance so you don't have to take it back apart when you end up with a fuel leak.

 

if you can see the leak, and clean the area well, a bit of RTV on a finger can often stop that when its a non pressure leak. v cover, oil pan... non pressure, can't fix oil coming out a head like that.......

spray ladies dedorant with baby power is a good leak tracer.

 

At last some ideas and help !

Thanks guys.

BTW Does it has to be ladies deodorant Aren't the deodorant flamable if I would spray in engine compartment while the engine is hot and running ?

 

You don't have to remove the intake manifold, but it does make it a whole lot faster. I'm lazy and am swapping to Fiero valve covers. I left the intake and what not on, and finished the driver's side swap. Working on passenger side today. Really, it's a pain in the ***, so it probably would have been better to pull everything and do it the right way.
And 2nd Haynes or factory service manual.

 

Everything is flamable if hot enouh....... men don't use baby powder dedorant....

 

For a couple of years ago a mechanic i knew replaced the gasket between the upper and lower plenum and since I will be removing the plenum and other stuff myself I am wondering if I need to replace the gasket AGAIN between the plenum or can I re-use the older ones ?

 

You can't reuse those gaskets. The intake gasket set is cheap enough, don't risk a vacuum leak.

 

could take a cereal box n ballpene hammer n make a gasket if you want to be really cheap.

rec did that for the water neck on my V8 car, worked like a charm.

 

Try this first if it works it works, if not then go further.........