Spark plug and valve cover gasket replacement

[danlau]

I have a 2001 Buick LeSabre with 105K miles on it. Can anyone show me or give me some instructions of how to replace spark plugs and valve cover gasket?

Thanks,
Daniel Lau

 

[1380Ken]

If you are going to replace the spark plugs you should also change the spark plug wires.

 

[imidazol97]

I second the changing wires. Use an OEM quality wire like Belden or another good brand. Don't fall for the specialized trendy wires.

The two in the rear passenger side will be hardest. Pull the metal cover away from the head. Twist on the rubber portion repeatedly until it breaks loose from the plug. I had to kneel on top of the engine (used foam pad for upholstering). Or stand on something next to car to improve your angle. Some people end up cutting wire and the snap on portion to get it off the plug.

As for the valve cover gaskets: why do you need to change those. What is happening?

 

[danlau]

The reason I want to change the valve cover gasket is that I see some oil around the valve cover.

 

[HotZ28]

The reason I want to change the valve cover gasket is that I see some oil around the valve cover.

Sounds like a good reason. 🙂

 

[danlau]

Does anybody has any instructions on how to change the valve cover gasket?

Thanks,

 

[imidazol97]

The reason I want to change the valve cover gasket is that I see some oil around the valve cover.

Is it clearly oil seeping around the valve cover gaskets?

Or is it a liquid on the intake manifold that seems to be a mixture of oily coolant?
There also is a problem with coolant and an oil mix collecting in the valleys on the metal lower intake manifold. That seeps up around the threads on the bolts holding the intake down to the block. I can't find a picture to post, but this is fixed by replacing the lower intake gaskets and sealing the threads on the bolts when reinstalling.
Your car is at the mileage where the lower intake gaskets may start to crack and leak coolant. Is your coolant level staying put in the reservoir when you check it cold in the mornings? Or does it lose small amounts sometimes especially if the engine is hot with the coolant under pressure?

 

[danlau]

I can't tell whether it is all oil or a mixture of oil and coolant. I think I lost quite a bit of coolant, maybe a gallon over a period of several months. I just added more coolant and will see how it goes. And by the way, how do I go by replacing the lower intake gasket, and is it a big job?

Thanks,
Daniel

 

[imidazol97]

I can't tell whether it is all oil or a mixture of oil and coolant. I think I lost quite a bit of coolant, maybe a gallon over a period of several months. I just added more coolant and will see how it goes. And by the way, how do I go by replacing the lower intake gasket, and is it a big job?

Thanks,
Daniel

You should be able to run a paper towel along the edge of the valve cover after running the engine warm and see that it actually collects oil at some location. If not, I'd suspect the coolant coming up through the threads on the manifold bolts.

I just checked my valve covers because I was getting an occasional drip after parking. But couldn't find any place with oil coming around the edges of the covers. I must have oil from another source.

There are some guides on removing the upper intake and then the lower intake on the internet. It's a tedious job. But doable by the above average home mechanic. It is hard on the back.

You can verify coolant into the oil by sending in an oil sample. I did that with Blackstone Labs in Ft. Wayne. For $25 they called me to say there was a slight amount of coolant in oil after 7000 miles on the oil (synthetic). I had done the sample to see how the additive package held up, but learned I had a seep at the throttle body gasket. I knew of a local mechanic who will put on your parts at a garage for the labor. I supplied an APN upper intake and the GM metal framed gaskets for the lower. He supplied the skill. I had already done an upper intake on my 1998 and was wanting the 2003 for a trip the following week, so I was happy to pay him to do it right the first time.

 

[danlau]

Thanks for the info. I wish I know of a reliable mechanic here in Chattanooga TN to do the job for me. By the way, where do you buy the parts.

Thanks,
Daniel

 

[stuzman]

Thanks for the info. I wish I know of a reliable mechanic here in Chattanooga TN to do the job for me. By the way, where do you buy the parts.

Thanks,
Daniel

Dan, send me a PM with your email address, and I'll send you a pdf file along with pics that I created when I did the upper and lower intakes on my 2000 LeSabre. It will have part numbers, etc. and other useful info.

 

[2000ltd]

Dan, send me a PM with your email address, and I'll send you a pdf file along with pics that I created when I did the upper and lower intakes on my 2000 LeSabre. It will have part numbers, etc. and other useful info.

If you're still around could you send me that PDF as well I'm about to do upper and lower

 

[lbear]

I replaced the front valve cover on mine since the OEM are plastic. Mine developed a crack and would leak so I got the Dorman replacement. So far, so good