Replacing Valve Cover gaskets

The intake manifold has to come off along with the rest of the equipment on top of the engine. Once it's all laid out of the way you can access the cover bolts. If you are mechanically inclined it should be no problem for you to remove the cover's and replace the tube seal's and gasket's. If there's any oil around the spark plugs remove it and replace the plug boot. If you have any doubt you can perform this repair it's is money well spent having it repaired then to cause a oil leak on to the exhaust manifolds and catch the car on fire. Just be sure and reseal the gaskets and allow nothing to get in between the covers and the sealing area.

that's to much!it would be a good weekend project for you,a few hours,even if never done this before.if you are going to be doing work on this car,then a good Haynes Repair Manual is a must.parts houses can order the manual,but it is $29.99 plus tax.there are several on e-bay(new)for around 1/2 that price,part number (30060)just take pictures of everything,take your time,remove the covers and clean them up real good,be sure and replace the seals in the covers also,they come with the gasket set.you can get the gasket set at most any parts house.here is the gasket set info.if you can get your hands on a torque wrench,the valve cover bolts torque spec is 7 ft/lbs!(DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN!) Felpro/Valve Cover Gasket, Part Number: (VS50173R) Felpro/Valve Cover Gasket Price: $19.99 Part Number: (VS50173R) Warranty: 1 YR Notes: With circular plugs & grommets permadry molded rubber gaskets included.

No You do not have to take the entire top off the engine on a Dodge Spirit, You have to remove the air box and the snorkel tube from the throttle body then slide of the electrical cabling on the mounts to the air box then remove remove the PVC pipe vent tube You can then change out the valve covers then their are only two valve cover bolts on the 3.0 engine their not around the bottom of the cover like the 3.3 v6 just the two top ones on the valve cover tops the one on the passenger side back one is a little tough but a box end wrench should get it. that's the one on the back the front cover is easy their are also a rubber cone seal and a o - ring on each valve cover screw that might need to be replaced be careful about torque I think they recommend something like 88 ft. pounds just barley snug them otherwise You might strip or damage the covers if they leak after You done the job other then the right rear passenger one You can just add a little more torque until they stop leaking I wouldn't use a torque wrench on that You could easily over do the torque and strip the bolts or ruin the o - ring cover or gasket. they are gaskets not rtv so it isn't too bad I just had mine apart this weekend looking for a major oil leak My valve covers seem sound I`m pretty sure I need both cam gaskets and a front main bearing seal possibly a timing belt the 3.0 and 3.3 engines were fantastic motors but their one and only fault was bearing and cam seals major oil leaks. I lost all the oil out of mine sure its cam bearings their are several brands of gasket sealers on the market You can add to the oil that some times will save the seals if their not torn or torn bad might try that. ok here is Your procedure for doing the job ..... 1 Open engine hood 2 locate the two bolts holding the air box assembly behind plenum 3 remove them I think their 14mm 4 carefully slide wiring harness out of air box mounting brackets 5 remove lower right hand hose to PVC vent tube bottom right on air box 6 unscrew snorkel holding bracket on throttle body gently work hose of throttle body 7 remove air box and snorkel assembly 8 Your their inspect front and rear valve covers for leaks or install valve cover gasket be easy on valve cover screws what ever You do. look around spark plug baffles if their covered with oil then the covers might have been leaking if covers are not leaking could be cam gaskets or front and rear mains also while Your at it check PVC pluming to be sure not clogged if it is the crankcase will pressurize and make oil bleed out all the seals good luck could be easy.