Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Zetec Valve Cover Gasket

I have 110 miles on my 98 zetec and just had my timing belt and waterpump replaced about a month ago.
I has smelled like burning oil ever since when I'm at a stop.
They told me I have a bad valve cover gasket and I am wondering if they had to remove the valve cover to change the timing belt?
If I replasce it myself do I need a torque wrench or can I just tighten it down well?
It looks like I need to pull the plug wires off the plugs and then pop the valve cover off.
Will I need gasket grease too?
Thanks in advance.
Tom

if they did the timing belt right then yes, they had to remove the valve cover. I didnt use a torque wrench on mine, And no, you dont need grease but i do suggest use a little gasket sealer.

Thanks. It's getting all the way up to 40 degrees this weekend, so I'll replace it then.
Tom

The valve cover bolts are only torqued to 53-71 in-lbs on the 1995 to 1997 and 1998 and later is 62 in-lbs. Thats not much. Be careful if you don't use a torque wrench. You will squeeze it right out.

Thanks for the advice.
Do I put the gasket sealant on both the top and bottom of the gasket?

Yes they pulled the cover. If they didn't replace the rubber gasket, but only used silicon rubber, then there is a real possible chance it will leak. Mine did. I reccommend replacing it but it cost ~$40.00. I cleaned up the two layers of silicon rubber very good. Took two hours. The bolts go through a sleeve that prevents too much tightening, but don't over do it. My leak ruin my spark plugs wires.

The Mercury dealer quoted me $135.00 to replace the gasket.

Thanks

I hear you.
My thinking is that I can do this repair and save the money to pay to have them replace my left front wheel bearing that's starting to make noise.
Thanks,
TOm

you do not need any sealant for the valve cover gasket, just push it in place onto the valve cover and bolt back on