How to Buy the Right Valve Cover Gasket

Michael O'Connor

January 13, 2026

4 min read

Michael O'Connor

January 13, 2026

4 min read

Choose a quality valve cover gasket to avoid leaks down the road.

When shopping for a new valve cover gasket - opens in new window or tab., it's imperative to purchase a valve cover gasket that fits your specific car. Every engine is shaped differently. Valve cover gaskets are not generic or interchangeable.

It is also important to buy a genuine replacement part, either from the manufacturer or from a manufacturer-level supplier. High-quality stock-level replacement parts are inexpensive.

Check out our step-by-step video and article about how to replace a valve cover gasket - opens in new window or tab..

Learn about what a valve cover gasket does and when to replace it - opens in new window or tab..

Types of Valve Cover Gaskets

A pair of blue Moroso Perm-Align rubber valve cover gaskets for big-block Chevrolet V-8 engine, displayed on a white background. — A Moroso Perm-Align rubber valve cover gasket for big-block Chevrolet V-8 engines

Rubber: Most passenger cars require a standard rubber valve cover gasket like these from Fel-Pro - opens in new window or tab.. Rubber is flexible and durable and creates a tight seal when the valve cover is compressed on it.

Cork: Many classic cars use cork gaskets like those from AC Delco - opens in new window or tab.. Cork gaskets are mixed with a binder and usually require a sealant to prevent excess compression set over time.

Composite: Composite gaskets from Edelbrock - opens in new window or tab. use a mixture of materials. They offer a combination of strength and flexibility and are a good all-around option for most vehicles.

Silicone: Many modern, high-performance engines require a silicone gasket like the ones offered by Crown Automotive - opens in new window or tab.. Silicone is resistant to heat and pressure, making it a great choice for engines that produce a lot of power.

Finding a Valve Cover Gasket That Fits Your Car

A pair of Fel-Pro cork valve cover gaskets for the 1982-1995 General Motors V-6 engines, displayed on a white background. — A pair of Fel-Pro cork valve cover gaskets for the 1982-1995 V-6 Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird

When installing a new valve cover gasket - opens in new window or tab., a proper fit is essential. The seal between the valve cover - opens in new window or tab. and the cylinder head needs to be airtight, which means the gasket has to be exactly the right size. Your model's repair manual will tell you what to buy. To confirm the right fit, use the eBay Parts Finder - opens in new window or tab.. Enter your car’s year, make, model, engine, and trim to get a list of compatible gaskets.

Different engines on the same vehicle may require different valve cover gaskets, and different years of the same make and model may come with different engines. Narrow down your search to find the type and material that fits your vehicle.

How much should you spend replacing a valve cover gasket?

The price of a valve cover gasket varies depending on the make and model of your car. If you have an economy car, you can expect to spend between $10 and $50. High-performance or specialty gaskets can cost $100 or more.

Replacing a valve cover gasket is easy to do yourself. This job usually takes less than 30 minutes. If you have a professional do the job, the labor costs alone could be as high as $400.

Parts Commonly Replaced With Valve Cover Gaskets

A mechanic wearing a black protective glove replaces an ignition coil. — Oil leaks can foul ignition coils. If you see leakage and the engine is misfiring, it may be time to replace the coils.

Spark plug tube seals: When replacing your valve cover gasket, it is a good idea to replace the spark plug tube seals as well. The usually wear at the same rate. Some gaskets include the tube seals with the gasket so everything can be done at once.

PCV valve: The PCV valve regulates the pressure in the engine and needs to be in good shape to preserve the valve cover gasket. Replacing the old PCV valve - opens in new window or tab. with a new one is a great way to improve the longevity of your new gasket.

Spark plugs: If your engine has a faulty gasket, it may have leaked oil onto your spark plugs. It’s a safe bet to replace your spark plugs - opens in new window or tab. at the same time. It’s an easy and inexpensive job.

Ignition coils: Just like the spark plugs, a faulty gasket can leak oil onto your vehicle’s ignition coils, which can cause misfires and other engine combustion issues. You may need to swap out the ignition coils - opens in new window or tab. at the same time as your valve cover gasket.

About the author

Michael O'Connor

Michael O’Connor is a Bay Area writer who grew up restoring classic cars. These days, he works on his 1979 Fiat Spider. Michael is an alum of Sonoma State’s Creative Writing program. He began professional auto writing in 2015, contributing to AutoList, CarGurus, Endurance Warranty, Safe-Guard, and other car sites.

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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.