Auto Systems and Repair
Valve Cover
A valve cover is a metal or plastic covering that protects the valve train and camshaft(s) in each cylinder head. It keeps oil from leaking out into the engine compartment and debris from getting into the cylinder head.
Symptoms of Wear or Failure
- Engine oil leak
- Burning smell due to oil on exhaust manifold
Related Repair Advice
- Many new vehicles use plastic valve covers. These can crack and cause an oil leak.
- A leaking valve cover or gasket can drip oil all over the engine. In some cases, it's necessary to repair the valve cover leak before any other oil leaks can be properly diagnosed.
