hello everyone

I recently changed my spark plugs and found that I have oil in spark plug galleys' 1 & 6. After some researching, I learned that the spark plug seals on the valve cover commonly go bad on the DE motor. In an attempt to save money, I've been looking around cl for used VQ's where I can scavenge valve covers off of and found one with relatively low miles (50k). I'm going to go see them later this week and at 1/4 of the retail price they sound like a steal but I'm weary that the seals might already be bad or close to failing. Is there a way I can see if the seals are bad without putting them on an engine? Some sort of test or visual inspection i can do? Obviously if theyre dried and cracked its a no go but my seals still look fine but failed anyways:P Is there anything else i should check for on the valve covers themselves before buying them?

Slightly off topic but I just recently hit 100k miles. I already have spark plugs, water pump, air filter, and PCV valve that I plan to install. Is there anything else i should change?

 

Wouldn't think there's anything you can do to check other than install them and check the plugs after a month or so...mine look fine and leak

100k also include drive belts, tranny oil, and battery

 

man, that sucks I dont want to spend the money on garbage..

Oh yeah, forgot to list the drive belts. Battery was recently changed about 15k~ miles ago, used my DMM to check it about 5k miles ago and its still doin good. I'm not sure if I should change my ATF just yet, I really want to wait until I get a valvebody upgrade, hopefully it'll last until then. I have a feeling its the same ATF that came with the car when it rolled out of the Tochigi plant lol (bought the car used last year)

 

use rtv gasket sealant and you're gd to go

 

I drilled my seals out and put new ones in there. It was a while ago so I don't remember the specific seals I used. It was easy and cheap! I've had no issues since.

 

you can also buy a fixed set from L-Fab for $175 and you ssend them your old set

 

i've always wondered if that worked for the valve covers

 

That sounds really sketchy. It sounds like it would work but with my hands is probably mess it up some how lol