How to Install a Cherokee Valve Cover Gasket

Replace the valve cover gasket on your Cherokee to prevent engine oil leaks onto the exhaust and side of the engine. Over time, the heat of the engine causes the gasket to dry out and crack. The Cherokee uses RTV silicone for a gasket; take care not to get any RTV silicone on the rocker arms or inside the engine, as it will clog the oil ports. The oil ports allow oil to flow up into the heads and back down into the crankcase.

• 1

  Remove the PCV valve, hoses and the cruise control servo, if your year and model Cherokee is so equipped. The PCV hose pulls out of the valve cover. The hoses, depending on the year, may be held onto the top of the valve cover with brackets. Slide them out of the brackets. Unbolt the cruise control servo, using the appropriate socket, and lay it aside.

• 2

  Remove the valve cover retaining bolts, using the appropriate socket. Tap on the cover with the handle of the screwdriver, to break the RTV seal. Gently pry the valve cover up. Scrape the RTV silicone off the valve cover and the head mating surfaces, making sure that none falls into the head.

• 3

  Apply a 1/8-inch bead of RTV silicone along the valve cover rail. Allow the RTV to skin up. When it skins up, you should be able to touch it without having it stick to your finger. Depending on the humidity in the air, this could take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes.

• 4

  Install the valve cover, then start the bolts by hand. Tighten them to 85 inch-pounds of torque, using the torque wrench. Reinstall the PCV valve, its hoses and the cruise control servo.