need correct procedure for installing 99 3.4 valve cover gaskets

Help!!! I have gotten estimates ~$600 and some for half that amount. The mechanics giving the lower estimate tell me the plenums do not need to come off. Is this correct? The valve covers are leaking pretty badly into the bell housing, clutch, starter.

 

You're in luck- https://youtu.be/N5fAXAuGozI?si=LhtU39DTvJhJ7RJG here is a GREAT comprehensive video detailing the whole process. $600 sounds cheap for a shop. I can't imagine how you'd remove the valve covers without removing the intake manifolds.

The key here is to make sure the half moons are also resealed in the process as well. Sometimes shops wont do that.

 

Yeah, you definitely have to remove the intake plenum. If you're replacing the spark plug tube gaskets and the new ones give you trouble going in, I've found it's easier if you stick them in the freezer overnight and try again: they shrink a bit and pop right in.

 

Find yourself a better mechanic. One who knows what he's talking about.

 

^^ THIS.

There's a lot more you should consider doing while your replacing the valve cover gaskets. Should be in that video

 

I would be wary of any sub-600 dollar estimates

And yes the upper plenum has to come off. Also check the cam plugs at the rear of each cylinder head they are known to leak as well and it kinda looks like a valve cover leak

 

Man, Timmy had such good content.