Fel-Pro 17937 Valve Cover Gasket Set Instruction Manual

1. Introduction to the Fel-Pro 17937 Valve Cover Gasket Set

The Fel-Pro 17937 Valve Cover Gasket Set is designed to provide a reliable seal for your engine's valve cover, preventing oil leaks and maintaining optimal engine performance. This set is engineered to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, ensuring a precise fit, form, and function for the intended applications.

Fel-Pro gaskets are known for their application-specific design and are manufactured for the repair environment, offering dependable quality.

Image: Two Fel-Pro 17937 valve cover gaskets, showing their distinct shape and sealing surfaces.

2. Installation Guidelines

Proper installation of the valve cover gasket is crucial for its effectiveness and longevity. It is recommended that installation be performed by a qualified mechanic or an individual with appropriate automotive repair experience. Always refer to your vehicle's specific service manual for detailed, model-specific instructions and torque specifications.

2.1. General Installation Steps (Consult Vehicle Manual for Specifics):

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is cool and the vehicle is safely supported. Disconnect the battery's negative terminal.
2. Access Valve Cover: Remove any components obstructing access to the valve cover (e.g., ignition coils, wiring harnesses, hoses).
3. Remove Valve Cover: Carefully unbolt and remove the existing valve cover.
4. Clean Sealing Surfaces: Thoroughly clean both the cylinder head and valve cover sealing surfaces. Remove all traces of old gasket material, oil, and debris. Ensure surfaces are dry and free of contaminants.
5. Install New Gasket: Place the new Fel-Pro 17937 gasket onto the valve cover or cylinder head, ensuring it is seated correctly. Some gaskets may have alignment tabs or require a small amount of RTV sealant at specific corners (refer to vehicle manual).
6. Reinstall Valve Cover: Carefully place the valve cover back onto the cylinder head, aligning it properly.
7. Tighten Bolts: Install the valve cover bolts and tighten them to the manufacturer's specified torque sequence and values. Overtightening can damage the gasket or valve cover, while undertightening can lead to leaks.
8. Reassemble Components: Reinstall all previously removed components.
9. Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the battery's negative terminal.
10. Test for Leaks: Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature. Visually inspect for any signs of oil leaks around the valve cover.

Image: A mechanic's hands performing work on an engine, highlighting the need for careful handling during installation.

Image: A valve cover with a blue gasket properly seated, demonstrating correct gasket placement before installation onto the engine.

3. Function and Operation

The Fel-Pro 17937 Valve Cover Gasket creates a tight seal between the engine's cylinder head and the valve cover. This seal is critical for several reasons:

• Oil Containment: It prevents engine oil from leaking out of the valve train area, which houses components like rocker arms and camshafts that require constant lubrication.
• Contaminant Exclusion: It keeps dirt, moisture, and other external contaminants from entering the engine's valve train, protecting sensitive internal components.
• Pressure Regulation: It helps maintain proper crankcase pressure, which is essential for engine efficiency and preventing oil consumption.

Once installed, the gasket operates continuously as part of the engine's sealing system, enduring varying temperatures and pressures to maintain its integrity.

Image: An engine block with a blue valve cover gasket clearly visible, illustrating its position and function in sealing the valve train area.

4. Maintenance

Valve cover gaskets are generally considered maintenance-free components. Their lifespan is dependent on material quality, installation correctness, and engine operating conditions. Regular inspection of the valve cover area for signs of oil leaks is the primary form of maintenance.

4.1. Inspection:

• Periodically check around the perimeter of the valve cover for any visible oil seepage or drips.
• Look for oil stains on the engine block below the valve cover.
• Note any burning oil smell, which can indicate oil leaking onto hot exhaust components.

If leaks are detected, the gasket should be replaced promptly to prevent further engine damage or environmental contamination.

Image: A mechanic carefully inspecting an engine bay, demonstrating the importance of routine checks for potential issues like gasket leaks.

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

The most common issue associated with valve cover gaskets is oil leakage. If you observe any of the following symptoms, your valve cover gasket may need inspection or replacement:

• Visible Oil Leaks: Oil pooling on top of the engine, dripping onto the ground, or staining engine components below the valve cover.
• Burning Oil Smell: Oil leaking onto hot exhaust manifolds can produce a distinct burning smell, especially noticeable when the engine is running.
• Low Engine Oil Level: Persistent or rapid decrease in engine oil level, even without visible leaks on the ground, could indicate internal seepage or minor external leaks.
• Oil on Spark Plugs: In some designs, a leaking valve cover gasket can allow oil to seep into the spark plug wells, potentially causing misfires.

If you suspect a leaking valve cover gasket, it is advisable to have it inspected by a professional to confirm the diagnosis and perform the necessary repair.

Image: A dark oil stain on a concrete garage floor, indicating a significant engine oil leak.

Image: An open engine interior showing oil residue and components, illustrating the area where a valve cover gasket leak would occur.

6. Product Specifications

7. Warranty Information

Fel-Pro products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For specific warranty details regarding the Fel-Pro 17937 Valve Cover Gasket Set, please refer to the official Fel-Pro website or contact their customer service directly. Warranty coverage typically addresses manufacturing defects and material flaws under normal use and service conditions.

8. Customer Support

If you have questions regarding the Fel-Pro 17937 Valve Cover Gasket Set, its application, or installation, please utilize the following resources:

• Fel-Pro Official Website: Visit the official Fel-Pro website for product information, technical resources, and contact details.
• Professional Mechanic: Consult a certified automotive mechanic for installation assistance or diagnostic services.
• Vehicle Service Manual: Always refer to your vehicle's specific service manual for detailed instructions pertinent to your make and model.