How hard a job is it to replace cam cover gaskets on a V6? Could a beginner do if she followed the instructions on the oof?
I was thinking of trying it myself due to severe money problems.
What do you all think?
As stated already it is not too difficult as mechanical jobs go, but it is certainly awkward and fiddly.
Follow the Guide, but note that it is easier to dismantle the wipers and fold back the scuttle panel to obtain better access, and when it comes to removing/replacing the passenger side engine bank cam cover it is best to pull back and tape/string up all the pipes and wires you can. Then various things, including the cam fixings themselves, will not so easily manage to pull off the cam cover gasket that you have so carefully put into place!!
I also managed to avoid completely disconnecting the throttle controls from the plenium, so I could simply 'flip it over' and move it out of the way with those cables still connected. 8-)
Also you have got to make double/tripple sure as you replace the cover (for both sides, but especially the passenger side) the half moon piece of gaskets squarely lines up with the corresponding cut out on the head. The DIS / engine lifting unit right in the way there can make that very difficult to check!
In addition do not do what I, and apparently others, have done and trapped the Knock Sensor wire (adjacent to the Idle Control Valve) in between the front of the cam cover and the cam belt drive housing/top of engine!!
Hope this helps a bit Kate, but if you require further advice just ask as usual.
Believe me, once you get into the routine of this job it is straightforward enough.
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Topic: Replacing Cam Cover Gaskets - How Difficult Is It? (Read 5400 times)