How to Replace Valve Cover Gasket 03-09 Mazda 3

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In the video, 1A Auto shows how to replace a bad or leaking valve cover gasket. The video is applicable to the 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09 Mazda 3
This process should be similar on the following vehicles:
2004 Mazda 3
2005 Mazda 3
2006 Mazda 3
2007 Mazda 3
2008 Mazda 3
2009 Mazda 3
🔧 List of tools used:
• Flat Blade Screwdriver 1aau.to/oA6/1AX...
• 10mm Socket 1aau.to/owJ/1AX...
• 8mm Socket 1aau.to/owJ/1AX...
• Vacuum
• Needle nose pliers 1aau.to/oex/1AX...
• Needle nose pliers 1aau.to/oex/1AX...
• Ratchet 1aau.to/oDo/1AX...
• Socket Extensions 1aau.to/oAT/1AX...
• Torque Wrench 1aau.to/oro/1AX...
• RTV
• Razor Blade / Gasket Scraper 1aau.to/oaU/1AX...
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Check out our playlist:
Mazda 3 2003-2009 1st Gen (BK): • Mazda 3 2003-2009 1st ...
For More Info visit us at 1aau.to/h/Qw/
⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@infowazz]

but do i need a torque wrench or can i do it by feel?

[@Devo1987]

Im getting to many variables on valve cover torque specs from multiple resources what gives ?

[@VicHalen07]

@@infowazz always use a torque wrench, that’s what I would say.

[@VicHalen07]

@@Devo1987 you can find your vehicule workshop manual with all the torque specs online, most of the time

[@notjustanobserver7599]

By far the most professional and informative videos about my car. She’s helped me keep my 20 year old Mazda 3 still delivering daily almost 200,000 miles they’ve save me a ton of money and headache.

[@TheAgentAaron]

According to the Haynes Manual for 2004-2011 Mazda3, the correct torque specification for valve cover bolts is 80 in-lbs. It is correct that for removal, the process begins on the perimeter working from the right side to the left side to the center and install begins at the center working side to side until all 14 bolts are secured. All bolts should first be hand-tightened in proper sequence and then tightened to 80 in-lbs in sequence. This can be referenced in the Haynes Manual on page 2A-5.

[@tarawebber4463]

About to change mine this week, and this video made it alot less intimidating. Love her explanations and attention to detail. Thanks!

[@cirilomaya6293]

I would honestly never recommend to use a metal flat screw driver because when scraping off any gasket material you run the possibility of damaging the surface so I would recommend a plastic scraper is more safer.

[@baggy-vitamin9166]

Thank you! Did this, this morning. Took me 1HR. I'm a novice but I must say, I knocked it out the park. Old CVT through out the top, gasket fixtures. At least my piston rings aren't fried. You guys rock.🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@1AAuto]

+@baggy-vitamin9166 Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@charliemendez1479]

Are you sure that is the torque specifications, because I just broke one following your instructions, now I need to find how to remove a broken screw

[@Echo024]

I was changing the spark plugs and found oil on plug 1 and in the cylinder. There’s no evidence of a head gasket leak so I’m pretty sure it’s the valve cover gasket. I’m glad to see you have a tutorial on this - I know what I’ll be doing next weekend!

[@eltigere8585]

Did you check the spark plug tubes I had the same issue

[@drewambrose7537]

According to Haynes all valve cover bolts are torqued to 80 in-lbs on all 2004-2011 Mazda 3's. And there is a diagram of the order you torque them. 1-14.

[@cbreezy1322]

I think I'm going to give it a shot. My son's 2005 has a misfire on cylinder 4. I've done the troubleshooting on the spark plug and coil. There is oil on the plug in 4. Some on 3 also. Haven't looked at the others. Hopefully new gaskets fixes that misfire. Thanks for the video

[@jso726]

Great video! Very complete...I watched it first, before changing my VC gasket on a 20004 Mazda 3 today...And 1 1/2 hours later, BAM I replaced it! T H A N K Y O U

[@1AAuto]

+jso726 Thank you very much!

[@sendit1158]

Another great job by Sue, so simple looking when she does it

[@salexander3605]

Thank you for the video. By far, the hardest part of this job was getting the biggest gasket to stay in place while putting the cover back in place.

[@user-gz4ue8qq4o]

Just ordered my gasket. Will do mine using this video as reference. Only thing my torque wrench broke so gonna go with snug tight using small ratchet and hope i don't mess up.

[@MiguelHernandez-sm7kh]

Great video, she is a great instructor

[@aboredguy]

The good thing about this engine is that it has a timing chain vs. timing belt. The plastic valve cover is ridiculous.

[@infowazz]

i drive with loud music all the time. one day the music stopped and i heard a flapping sound. turns out it was the serpentine belt that was on the very last strand. it was literally hours from breaking. you can't take things for granted but u still gotta have fun too. it would just suck being deep in the woods or out during a snow storm and a hydraulic line breaks, or clutch goes. when you're a kid you assume the car will never ever break down. the last couple years have been full of random issues with my mazda 3.

[@tagmad0033]

Thanks. Replaced valve cover gasket on my dad's Mazda 5 with no problems. Thank you a lot!!!

[@tmarriottONE]

I got to the fourth bolt and snap. Do NOT try to torque to 125 in lbs. TOO MUCH for these old bolts. Other than that, awesome videos, great reference always! 1A videos are my default for repairs to our vehicles. Thank You.

[@Maya_Ruinz]

Wow looks very clean for the mileage

[@zanegriggs5166]

DO NOT TORQUE TO 123 IN-LB!!!! Torque all valve cover bolts to 71-84 IN-LBS. You will snap the bolt guaranteed if you go to 123

[@D_Spear]

I took my valve cover off without any issues, pryed very little near the timing chain, pulled it straight up, cleaned it very well and removed all the old gaskets off by hand, I went to put on the new gaskets and found a huge crack on the valve cover around the plug closest to the driver side. It is is completely cracked, I have no clue how it happened but now I gotta go buy a new one.

[@amr-50]

thanks so much for that video soo

[@josea9895]

Great video thanks for the post. Made my life very easy after watching this.

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for the great reply. We love to empower our customers by showing you how-to perform your own auto repairs while installing our high quality auto parts. Have a great day! 1aauto.com +jose alcendra

[@82ryno]

This really was an excellent video! The torque may be incorrect though. The link someone posted below suggests 7nm or basically a little nip up with the wrench. Guys dont get confused with ft lb, she said inch lb. Big difference!

[@1AAuto]

+matt Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@SayAnything8]

I overtorqued the bolts and I cracked my valve cover. I had to go to my local junkyard to get another one. Lesson learned just use a torque wrench cuz I can't really tell doing it by hand.

[@generalnando5722]

Hell nah it’s better by hand

[@texassmokingmonkey]

Have a pristine new torque wrench i've never used, but i will be doing so on this job!

[@StachMan]

@@generalnando5722 yup I just did it by hand it, its not supposed to be super tight its a plastic valve cover, the torque specs are very very low. just make sure its nice and snug and give it a little bit more and you are good.

[@texicano30]

what a great video, I have a 2008 and need to replaced the valve gasket cover. I did not know it was a plastic cover....

[@1AAuto]

+Joe Nostroza Thanks for checking us out!

[@Nate_DoggGaming]

Nice video. Informative. Thanks. But heard to use a plastic scrapper vs using a metal one or metal screwdriver especially on aluminum head..ur thoughts on tht?

[@1AAuto]

+Nate Dowd You can use a flat head screwdriver on the aluminum head. You're not hammering it to get the old sealant off

[@basedlord88]

Those tabs near the start, I put a jewelry screw driver in one side then pinched and pulled the other with some needle nose and came off real easy

[@MattysWorkshop]

Gday, thanks for making this video, just done the job, cheers

[@sergio74v41]

Do I have to pull plugs out and dry since they did have oil in the plug well or will it burn off?

[@SurferSandman]

Great video. Do you let the RTV set for very long before driving the vehicle? I've also heard that sometimes a little of that can keep the gaskets from falling out of the valve cover when replacing them. Is that something you would recommend?

[@redballs]

Thank you for this helpful video!

[@1AAuto]

+RawReviews Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@texassmokingmonkey]

Oh that recessed rubber gasket design is a thing of beauty. No blue silicon bead, no paper gasket getting smooshed out the side, yeah! I knew this job wouldn't require encyclopedic mechanic knowledge when she said, "Here's how you open the hood." 😄😄 Thanks for the very helpful video! My gasket is toast.

[@1AAuto]

+Regular Joe-L Cigar Reviews - The Smoking Monkey Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@randyperfecto7468]

Outstanding and love the accent

[@a.lumberjack4456]

84 inch/lbs for regular bolts and 123 inch/lbs for studs. Thank you.

[@myjunkinyourtrunk1872]

I'm not sure that's right. 123 inch/lbs snapped the stud on mine. Everything else I read says 60 to 72 inch lbs

[@charliemendez1479]

@@myjunkinyourtrunk1872 happened to me as well 😤

[@garretthoward13]

What do you wash the plastic cover in?

[@Chronx100]

I was wondering what would happen if I just tightened the bolts without using a torque wrench. Is it just a possibility I might crack the head cover if its too tight or oil might leak if its too slacked?

[@1AAuto]

+Chronx100 Thanks for checking out our video! It is highly suggested to tighten the bolts to the correct lb/ft of torque suggested by the manufacturer, failure to do so could cause premature failure of certain components on your vehicle. 1aauto.com

[@kwbalance108]

What are those "twisty sockets"? What are they called because I could sure have used them in the past and WILL need to use them soon haha

[@ChrisrZ28]

Aint no 123in lbs. on those studs i can guarantee that. I threw that torque wrench aside and just went by feel. Those studs where damn near ready to snap

[@1AAuto]

+Chris R Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@franciscobacino2216]

Its 80 lb in on all bolts

[@Pinchegalloo]

I wouldn’t use a metal screw driver to scrape anything off of aluminum. Torque specs are also wrong. The studs do not get torqued at 123. Did that and broke a bolt. Had to look it up and see the range is 70.9-90 in/lb.

[@1AAuto]

+Robert Rivera Thanks for the feedback! We'll pass this info along to our production team.

[@JoseRodriguez-xt4nq]

Thanks so much girl love youuuuu

[@1AAuto]

+Jose Rodriguez Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@ItzDarealJacquan]

I’m at 245k miles on my car 💪🏾

[@ImranMughal-ju1wk]

I see pride in the work you do, thanks for the videos! I have a couple questions. In your experience, are plastic valve covers unreliable compared to ones made of metal? If my car's engine is leaking oil into the spark plug holes and I put off replacing the valve cover gasket, could this become a fire hazard (i.e. engine catching on fire or something similar)?

[@josealcazar2922]

While the plastic is lighter than a metal one it is more likely to crack or warp in high heat/stress situations. Same goes for the intake manifold.

[@toddlemmon]

Great video. Does this apply to a 2012 3 sedan as well? Not Skyactiv. Thanks!

[@bryanroman1462]

Probably a stupid question but are the toque specs for the bolt and studs the same for a 08 speed3?

[@ImranMughal-ju1wk]

Found one for the 2.3L, not sure if it is the same for the speed3. Btw, super jealous you have a speed3! Lol. www.mazda6club.com/attachments/valvecover-jpg.77613/

[@Combo223]

do the torque specs apply to a 2010 mazda 3 i 2.0L sedan? how about the torque specs for the spark plugs? thank you!

[@xanninc.abrasivewaterjetcu3896]

Thanks for the wrong torque (124 in lbs, I snapped a bolt) should be about 80 in lbs.

[@jamescorey8559]

Hey I’m just wondering, I just broke one of my bolts doing this as well (the bolts were all very tight so I think the last person that worked on this car before I bought it must’ve done them way too tightly). How did you go about fixing this? The head of the bolt broke off but the actual screw part is still in there and my car seems to be running alright with no leaks for now, but I have no idea of where to get a replacement bolt or how to even get it out (because they don’t come out all the way on their own)… I’d really appreciate some help if you have any suggestions! :)

[@TheAgentAaron]

@@jamescorey8559 I don't know if you were ever able to resolve this, if not, you can purchase a small set with 4 different bits each having a particular purpose but will ultimately allow you to back that broken bolt out. It's called Speed-Out Titanium and I purchased it at Jome Depot several years back for about $20. Hopefully you resolved your issue but if not, hopefully this will help.

[@toddflack6698]

What is the name of the sensor (that has an electrical connection coming off the warning harness) that is directly to the left of the left coil (if you are facing motor)?

[@boo9681]

Nice work

[@cecildrake8348]

Use a vacuum when cleaning seal surfaces

[@1AAuto]

+Cecil Drake Thanks for the tip! We'll pass this info along to our production team.

[@tidds2395]

What is that first senor you unplugged?

[@Danny-dh2pg]

Do you need RTV?

[@LPack05]

Is a valve cover the same thing as a head gasket?

[@reinaldopadua8201]

I just change mine but now my car is shaking a lot and I don’t know why because the only thing that I did was changing the gasket. I don’t know what’s going on. does anyone know what is going on?

[@yungbroc]

4:37 this connector is such a pain to take off. anyone have tips?

[@aakudev]

I dont have a torque wrench, how can I tighten to the specs without it :(

[@Devo1987]

What are the torque specs ?

[@vietnameez]

IT IS NOT 123 in lbs. I don't know where you got those specs but I just snapped one of the studded bolts. You can even feel the increased tension of the bolt going from 84 to 123. AutoZone has the pages from the shop manual that says at max you should torque to 92 in lbs. I am beyond pissed especially since the dealership is closed today and I cannot get the replacement bolt til Monday. You had everything right up til the torque specs. The torque sequence can be found easily. Be more responsible about this information.

[@shyy0.0guyy37]

maybe listen better she 123 inch ponds.... not foot pounds

[@klausthefish]

Yeah 123 in lbs is around 10 ft lb which is nothing for these bolts. They wouldn't shear under 123 in lb (~10 ft lb) That is essentially snug hand tighten on a socket wrench.

[@charliemendez1479]

I broke one stud as well for following her instructions, they should delete this video a re do another one

[@GratefulTexan]

Thank you for this video. Its really going to help. @ 12:50 Are those the spark plug seals? That is what I need to replace on my Mazda 3 which I just purchased. Today is Wednesday morning, and I'm planning on attempting this starting Saturday morning. So I'm hoping I'll get a reply before then. (I usually never get a reply on videos like this, which doesn't help much. But I never give up asking.)

[@1AAuto]

+Pointblank Honest Thanks for watching! Yes those are the spark plug seals, you can see that cavity that they sit in at the 12:28 mark. 1aauto.com

[@GratefulTexan]

@@1AAuto Thank you for replying. It feels nice for a change to read an answer to a question. When I was searching online for the gasket set, all showed those center seals, but only one site actually stated in the description "spark plug seals". Although the pic didn't show anything different. But since they were the only one that specifically stated those words, I ordered it from them, although it did cost a few more dollars. (I thought that could have been the reason)

[@1AAuto]

+Pointblank Honest Thank you for your order! We'd love to hear about your experience. Here's a link to leave us a review on Google: goo.gl/i5JFNY

[@GratefulTexan]

@@1AAuto I would be happy to do so, but since I didn't get the part from 1A, it wouldn't be truthful. I just came across your video, which helped. Ironically, the company I did get it from sent me the wrong gasket, then gave me a very hard time in returning it. I had to go to a local auto part store to get the correct one. Up until now, I didn't even know about 1A. But now that I do, the next time I need auto parts, I will surely check the site out.

[@1AAuto]

+Pointblank Honest Thanks for the feedback!

[@xandervk2371]

The two plastic posts holding "beauty cover" have 15 mm hexagon, use it.

[@Iaminnocentlol]

They are 5/8 s socket... shushhh

[@xandervk2371]

@@Iaminnocentlol 5/8 would mean 16 mm metric size. It would be very loose, but you might get away with it in this case.

[@MrsILuvMJ]

Keep the dirt out of engine by placing a dirty ass paper towel on top. Great quality picture but camera man needs tweaking. Her danged hands are constantly in the way.

[@crimsonkrysis3037]

The poor door *Great video tho lol

[@carlosvazquez9191]

I break one bolt its too much torque

[@infowazz]

success but no torque wrench

[@bletchdroshek5984]

Will this work for a 2011 Mazda 3?

[@1AAuto]

+Bletch Droshek The part in this video fits your application, and the install should be the same or similar. Buy this part on 1AAuto.com: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@bletchdroshek5984]

@@1AAuto Thanks for the response.

[@klausthefish]

did you valve cover bolts come out? I am wondering if they changed the bolt style after the 2010 version. The 2011 bolts didn't stay attached to the valve cover.

[@inoxqc8434]

If you don't know how to open the hood, I'd be surprise you know how to remove the head XD