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Originally Posted by DrFerry
The answer is "it all depends".. Depends upon how old the valve covers are and how much of the OEM paint is bubbling or peeling. Since the valve covers are magnesium, they are porous. The hot oil eventually soaks through the valve cover metal and starts to lift and bubble the OEM paint. Then oil leaks from under the bubbling paint.
IF your valve covers have very little paint peeling and bubbling then as Helmsman mentioned many people just do the gaskets and the bolts. See the DIY thread. I just had mine done and am now wishing I had paid the money for powder coat new ones from Vedubin01 because I can already see some seepage after less than 2K miles after valve cover gasket replacements.
According deansbimmer a portion of his customers *who don't get new valve covers installed* end up returning to his shop (after a while) to get the job done again due to leaks again. After 74K miles the OEM valve covers don't owe you anything IMO. So why not go ahead and replace them while you're in there? Just my two cents. You could also find a local shop to powder coat and refurbish your existing valve covers to save some money.
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https://precision-sport.com/products...32457004875839
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https://futureclassic.us/products/fu...alve-cover-set |
Great feedback and confirms the route I should take...replace. Thank you!