The exact cost will depend on your specific car, the parts you use, and your location. The Jerry app can help you get real quotes from nearby shops for this and other repairs.
Real customers Jerry has helped
Costs for getting your valve cover gasket repaired depend on your exact vehicle, where you live and the quality of oil used. With Jerry, you can quickly see what drivers are paying right now. Below are real examples of customers we’ve helped secure top prices for when they need their valve cover gasket repaired.
Estimates are modeled based on real vehicle and location data; names have been changed. Actual prices will vary by shop, parts, and vehicle condition.
Cost breakdown: Why the price varies
Valve cover gasket replacement prices can change based on your car, your area, and the parts used. Jerry makes it simple to compare what people like you are paying today. Here are some real examples of customers we’ve helped lock in top deals on their valve cover gasket repairs.
Engine layout and access:
Most 4-cylinder cars can get spark plugs done in about an hour, but V6 and V8 engines often take 2–3 hours because the plugs are harder to reach.
Gasket type and brand:
Most valve cover gaskets are molded rubber, and higher-quality sets usually fit better and last longer in high heat, but they tend to cost more up front. Some engines also need a small amount of sealant at certain seams, which adds a bit to parts and time. Using better materials can reduce the chance of repeat leaks and paying for the job twice.
Doing one bank vs. both:
If your engine has two banks, many people replace both sides at once to avoid paying for the same teardown twice. Doing the second bank adds some parts and time, but it’s often cheaper than coming back later for a separate visit.
What is a valve cover gasket?
A valve cover gasket is a rubber (or cork) seal that sits between your engine’s valve cover and the top of the cylinder head. Its job is to keep engine oil from leaking out while the engine runs. When it wears out, you may notice a burning-oil smell, smoke from the engine bay, or oil seeping down the sides of the engine.
Replacing it is usually a straightforward fix, but it’s worth doing sooner rather than later. Oil leaks can drip onto hot exhaust parts, make a mess, and in some cases foul spark plugs or ignition coils (leading to misfires). A good repair includes cleaning the sealing surfaces and checking for a warped cover so the new gasket actually stays dry.
A Toyota Camry came in with a light burning odor. Everything looked dry up top, but when I pulled the ignition coils, two spark plug wells were soaked in oil from small tears in the plug tube seals. If we’d only replaced the valve cover gasket, it likely would’ve been back soon with misfires from oil-contaminated plugs/coils.
We replaced the valve cover gaskets (including the tube seals) and spark plugs, and the customer opted for new coils as a precaution. No more burning smell, and it left with a clean tune-up.
Signs you need the valve cover gasket replaced
Valve cover gasket issues often show warning signs first. From Jerry’s work with real drivers, here’s what we’ve found you should watch out for:
- Oil smell: You notice a burnt-oil smell, especially after driving or at stoplights.
- Oil leak on engine: The top/sides of the engine look wet or greasy, sometimes with oil pooling in spots.
- Smoke from engine bay: Light smoke or haze comes from under the hood if oil drips onto hot exhaust parts.
- Low oil level: You’re topping off oil more often than usual.
- Rough running/misfires: The engine shakes or stumbles, sometimes with a Check Engine light (oil can seep into spark plug areas on some engines).
- Oil spots under the car: Drips show up after parking, often closer to the front/middle depending on the engine layout.
Pro tip: Not sure it’s the gasket? A quick clean-drive-recheck, UV dye test or running a diagnostic in the Jerry app can confirm before authorizing repairs.
Your action plan: How to save money
Use the action plan below to diagnose and address the problem the right way. These steps make it easier to collaborate with your mechanic so the repair is done properly and efficiently.
Confirm the leak source:
Clean the area, drive 10–15 minutes and recheck seams/corners.
Combine complementary work:
If spark plugs, plug tube seals, coil boots or bolt grommets are due, bundle them now to avoid duplicate labor. The Jerry app helps customers get real quotes from nearby shops for multiple services at once.
Choose quality parts:
Use a well-fitting gasket set and the correct RTV/FIPG only where specified to prevent repeat repairs.
Get multiple written quotes:
Request clear line items and labor hours while gathering quotes in the Jerry app. If you see 3–5 hours quoted for a simple I4 with clear access, ask to see the labor guide page.
Do a leak-free check before pickup:
Before you pick up the car, ask the shop to warm it up and check for fresh oil around the gasket seams and spark plug wells. It’s also smart to recheck for any new seepage after a few normal drives. Finally, confirm what parts and labor warranty you have if the leak comes back.
Related repairs
Maintenance reminders in the Jerry app help remind customers that a valve cover gasket repair is often paired with:
- PCV components: A stuck PCV raises crankcase pressure and worsens leaks.
- Spark plugs/coil boots: Oil-soaked boots degrade; plugs due soon are easy while the cover is off.
- Spark plug tube seals: Replace alongside the gasket if applicable.
- Bolt grommets/seals and half-moon/cam plugs (application-dependent): Fresh hardware helps ensure even clamp load and leak-free corners.
- Valve cover replacement: Warped/cracked covers or failed integrated PCV assemblies may require replacement.
- Intake manifold gaskets (application-dependent): Replace if intake manifold must come off.
- Degreasing/cleanup: Cleaning residue protects rubber and simplifies future checks.
DIY vs. Pro: Can I do this myself?
Whether you prefer a DIY a valve cover gasket fix or a professional repair, Jerry can help you see what you’ll spend on parts and shop time. Here are the factors to consider before you decide to do it yourself.
Ready to compare shops and lock in a fair price? Download the Jerry app to get fast, transparent quotes near you.
What customers are asking us
-
Is it safe to drive with a valve cover gasket leak?
-
Do I need to replace the valve cover, too?
-
How long does the repair take?
-
Should RTV sealant be used?
-
Will stop-leak products fix it?
-
Do I need an oil change afterward?
-
How can I be sure the gasket is the culprit?
-
When’s the best time to bundle spark plugs?
Jerel Lawrence is an experienced and certified automotive technician with a strong foundation in diagnostics, repair and technical mentorship. A graduate of NASCAR Technical Institute in 2010, Jerel began his career at national automotive repair chain locations, where he earned eight certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
From 2017 to 2022, he worked as a General Motors-certified technician at a Cadillac dealership, refining his skills in manufacturer-specific diagnostics and service procedures. Today, Jerel leads as the senior technician and mentor at a family-owned repair facility, where he helps guide the next generation of technicians while ensuring top-quality service.
In addition to hands-on work, Jerel contributes to the automotive community through writing detailed articles and answering technical questions to help vehicle owners better understand and care for their cars.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
