Lessons from Replacing Valve Cover Gaskets on 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Originally posted December 19, 2019
Learn from me so you don’t have to learn these yourself. My 2011 Jeep Wrangler JKU has the 3.8L V6 engine. It’s been leaking oil from “somewhere.” I made videos of addressing the 3 most common leak locations for this engine - one video for the two valve cover gaskets and one video for the upper oil pan gasket. This is video 1 - Valve Cover Gaskets. Link to Video 2 - Upper Oil Pan Gasket - is below.
There are lots of videos out there on how to do this, so this is more of a “lessons I learned” video. Feel free to leave comments or questions. If you find this video useful, consider subscribing to see future videos more easily.
NOTE: Make sure you don’t over torque - the valve cover bolts torque to 105 IN-lbs (inch-pounds!!).
Parts (Amazon Affiliate Link):
* Valve Cover Gasket Kit: amzn.to/32ekbUA
Materials:
* Rags
* Eye and head/hair protection
* Gloves
* Cleaner (I used Brake Parts Cleaner)
Tools:
* 1/2" or 13mm socket (alternator bracket, ignition pack bracket)
* 5/16” or 8mm socket, both short and deep well (valve cover bolts)
* Universal joint(s) (I used both 1/4" and 3/8” to access the valve cover bolts)
* Extensions
* in-lbs torque wrench, preferably ‘click’ type that’s settable to 105 in-lbs
* Regular blade screw driver (to break seal between valve cover and engine and to open cable clamps)
* Small regular blade screw driver (to help get old gaskets off valve cover bolts)
* Pliers (to remove air line from driver side valve cover)
References:
Video 2: Lessons from Replacing Upper Oil Pan Gasket on 2011 Jeep Wrangler: • Lessons from Replacing...
I hope you enjoy! You can support me on BuyMeACoffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/edvancise
Disclaimers:
This video is NOT sponsored by any of the brands mentioned throughout this video or video description. All thoughts mentioned are my own. Some links provided are affiliate links. They do not cost you anything, but I make a small percentage from the sale. Honesty is key on my channel, thank you for supporting me!
I am a Do It Yourself, also known as DIY, mechanic. I am NOT a professional mechanic. I do not have any formal training in the automotive field. I assume no liability for anything you choose to do to your car/vehicle or equipment before or after watching one of my videos. All DIY repairs or modifications you perform are made at your own risk. Sometimes, even if you've done everything the right way, you can destroy or damage one or more things on your car or equipment. You must understand this, but by leveraging knowledge and patience, the probability of encountering one or more problems can be reduced.
Also, if for some unfortunate reason, I do give incorrect instructions and something breaks because you followed my instructions, I will NOT reimburse or pay in any way for whatever cost that may be incurred due to following my wrong instructions.
Lastly, please don't do anything to your vehicle or equipment unless you yourself feel comfortable and confident in doing so.

[@CarbonsDIYGarage]

Check out the video description for extra info, parts, tools, torques, and any updates.

[@tubatodd]

Thanks to this video, I checked the valve covers on my 3.8L this morning and sure enough, they are shiny and a bit damp along the bottom edge. So it is definitely leaking. This should be an easy fix.

[@CarbonsDIYGarage]

Good luck with the repair. Glad the video could help. Thanks for watching, Todd.

[@joshastine]

Hell yeah. Thank you. I don’t have oil on the ground but I have the burning oil smell and noticed my valve gaskets leaking. This was the perfect video for me to do it. New to the 3.8’s.

[@CarbonsDIYGarage]

Thanks for watching, Josh. I’m glad the video was helpful!

[@ericgroenberg706]

I appreciate the comments and directions and things to look for now I figure this is gonna be an easy weekend project or a lazy Sunday project versus me being lazy and bringing it to mechanic and getting hose on the cost. Glad I found this video and again really appreciate, an easy explanation to how to get this done

[@CarbonsDIYGarage]

Thanks for the feedback, Eric. I’m glad it’s helpful. This is exactly why I started the channel. Thanks for watching.

[@mixedmoto5757]

Best video I’ve seen!!

[@Marlinphillips]

Awesome video man. Gonna be a huge help with my JK. Keep them coming!!

[@CarbonsDIYGarage]

Glad it’ll help. Thanks for watching!

[@Z32orDIe]

Thank you for video. Thought id have to pull intake plenum. Much appreciated!

[@CarbonsDIYGarage]

Thanks for watching and good luck with your project!

[@tylerreilly3438]

Thanks man, was a solid video!!!

[@CarbonsDIYGarage]

Thanks for watching (and subscribing?), Tyler! Appreciate the feedback.

[@anthonyflannery4995]

Took me a while to trace it to the valve cover. Easy fix.

[@CarbonsDIYGarage]

Glad you got it. Thanks for watching.

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

Great video good tips at least it wasn’t front harmonic balancer seal that’s another problem with our year Jeep’s

[@CarbonsDIYGarage]

Thanks for watching, and eek - the harmonic balancer is one I hadn't had on my radar but I'll keep that in the back of my head.

[@josephmcalexander7279]

Great job Thank you brother

[@CarbonsDIYGarage]

Thanks, and thanks for watching.

[@huntershortrepairs]

I just did the gaskets on my JK, definitely the source of a very small, but definite leak. Have to say the passenger side was definitely a breeze compared to the driver's side, upon seeing your video, i realized im missing the holder for the heater hoses as well as the guide for the spark plug wires, ill have to see if i can grab some from the dealership lol

[@CarbonsDIYGarage]

100% agree - the passenger side is a good side to 'get the feel for it' before doing the more challenging driver's side. Funny thing - a few months after doing these gaskets, I noticed that most of the plastic guides and holders had gotten so brittle that they were breaking easily. I don't think there's much of them left anymore... :) Thanks for watching.

[@huntershortrepairs]

@@CarbonsDIYGarage you bet! I wish I had done the passenger side first lol, oh well, it's done now, hopefully I can get a good run before i have to change them again. I'll have to stop by the dealership and see how outrageously expensive those plastic keepers are 😅 I definitely care more about the heater hose one more than the spark plug wire guide, don't want the hoses melting on the exhaust manifold..

[@ericgroenberg706]

Quick question it doesn’t look like you did but if you did after the fact or have done in the past, what would you clean off the hardened oil that had accumulated on your manifold or in the corresponding areas to where the leak was? I’ve heard simple green is a good one or do I just use a wire brush or combination of both? Appreciate the helpful input.

[@DKoppJr]

I was wondering did you use any rubber gasket silicone sealant around the gasket, or just the rubber seal its self?

[@CarbonsDIYGarage]

I just used the gasket, no silicone. Thanks for watching, Don.

[@DKoppJr]

@@CarbonsDIYGarage Thank you for the content! The gaskets look well made so I bought those too.

[@Pedro-ht8oo]

Did you drain the oil first? Or not necessary?

[@CarbonsDIYGarage]

Conveniently, it's not necessary! Thanks for watching, Pedro.

[@tp081234]

How did you get the bolts out? I know they are captive; did you just pull them out with some force?

[@CarbonsDIYGarage]

Yes, that’s right. The grommets hold them in so you just need to pull them out with a little extra force. If I remember right, I took the gasket off before I removed the bolts from the cover. I don’t know if that matters but just letting you know.

[@tp081234]

Perfect. I didn’t want to pull too hard and break the cover! Thank you!

[@CarbonsDIYGarage]

@@tp081234 For sure, I feel ya! Obviously if you start to feel cracking or too much stress in the cover, pause and reassess. But IIRC, mine came out easily. If they don’t, maybe a little oil to loosen up the grommets? Good luck on the project, and thanks for watching.

[@tp081234]

@@CarbonsDIYGarage good call. I have the cover off and got pulled away… life stuff. Haha

[@queensapphire7717]

With the 3.6, those symptoms would most likely be a failed oil cooler.

[@CarbonsDIYGarage]

You’re not wrong! One of the reasons I’m glad I’ve got the 3.8. I’m always watching for that on the 3.6 in my Grand Caravan. Thanks for watching.

[@queensapphire7717]

@@CarbonsDIYGarage 3.8 definitely much easier to work on, spark plugs are a breeze compared to the 3.6, and no plastic. The EGR valve is a bit of a pain to replace.

[@Sweetheart2_]

Is your dog named after Terry Bradshaw?

[@CarbonsDIYGarage]

He’s a shelter rescue so we’re not sure. I assume previous owner might have been a Steelers fan.