Guide to Replacing the Engine Valve Cover Gasket on a 2014-2017 Chevrolet SS
Eliminate oil leaks and burning smells by selecting the correct aftermarket valve cover gasket set for your 6.2L LS3 engine.
- The most common symptom of a bad valve cover gasket is a burning oil smell from oil dripping on the hot exhaust.
- High-quality aftermarket brands like Fel-Pro and Victor Reinz offer reliable replacements that are often more affordable than OEM parts.
- There are no specific recalls or TSBs for valve cover gasket issues on the 2014-2017 Chevrolet SS; failures are due to normal wear.
- When replacing the gaskets, always clean the mating surfaces thoroughly and replace the bolt grommets for a leak-free seal.
Is Your Chevrolet SS Leaking Oil? Signs of a Bad Valve Cover Gasket
A failing valve cover gasket on the 6.2L LS3 engine in your 2014-2017 Chevrolet SS will show several clear symptoms. Because the valve covers are at the very top of the engine, leaks often result in oil dripping down onto other components. Ignoring these signs can lead to bigger problems, from messy oil stains to a potential fire risk.
Common Symptoms:
- Burning Oil Smell: This is the most common sign. Oil drips from the leaking gasket onto the hot exhaust manifolds, where it burns off and creates a distinct, unpleasant smell that you may notice while driving.
- Visible Oil Leaks: You may see wet, oily patches or an accumulation of dirt and grime on the valve covers themselves or on the sides of the cylinder heads. Over time, this can leave oil spots on your driveway.
- Low Engine Oil Level: A persistent leak will cause your engine oil level to drop between oil changes, potentially triggering the low oil light on your dashboard. Driving with a low oil level can cause serious internal engine damage.
- Engine Misfires: In some cases, oil can leak into the spark plug tubes. This can foul the spark plugs, leading to a rough idle, poor engine performance, and misfires.
Aftermarket vs. OEM Gasket Cost
| Part Type | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Gasket Set | $33.29 - $58.02 | Includes gaskets for both valve covers and often new bolt grommets. Brands like Fel-Pro and Victor Reinz offer excellent quality. |
| New OEM (GM Genuine) Gasket Set | $70 - $110 | Original equipment quality, but often at a higher price point. Aftermarket options are generally considered equivalent for this part. |
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Gasket Brand
For the LS3 engine in the Chevrolet SS, several reputable aftermarket brands offer high-quality valve cover gasket sets that meet or exceed OEM standards. The choice often comes down to brand reputation and material quality.
- Fel-Pro: Widely regarded as a top-tier aftermarket brand, Fel-Pro gaskets are known for their excellent fit and durability. They are a go-to choice for many professional mechanics and DIYers for stock replacement jobs. Their molded rubber gaskets are designed specifically for the repair environment to seal imperfect surfaces. 🎬 Compare top gasket brands like Mahle and Fel-Pro for your LS engine.
- Victor Reinz: Another premium brand, Victor Reinz is an OEM supplier for many European vehicles and offers high-quality gaskets for American cars as well. Their gaskets are known for being soft, pliable, and providing a superior seal. Both Fel-Pro and Victor Reinz are considered reliable choices.
- Cometic Gasket: Often favored in high-performance and racing applications, Cometic gaskets are a premium option. While they may be overkill for a stock engine with a minor leak, they are an excellent choice if you are doing other performance upgrades.
- Mr. Gasket: A well-known name in the aftermarket, Mr. Gasket provides reliable, budget-friendly options that are suitable for standard repairs.
Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
Searches for recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to the valve cover gaskets on the 2014-2017 Chevrolet SS did not reveal any specific campaigns for this model. While other GM vehicles with different engines have had recalls for valve cover gasket leaks causing fire risks, the Chevrolet SS with the 6.2L LS3 engine is not listed among them. The failures seen on the SS are typically due to normal wear and tear from age and heat cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to use sealant with the new gaskets?
Generally, no. For modern molded rubber gaskets like those used on the LS3, sealant is not required for the main part of the gasket that sits in the valve cover's groove. However, some mechanics apply a small dab of RTV silicone at the sharp corners where the timing cover meets the cylinder head as a precaution against leaks.
Is this a difficult job to do myself?
For a moderately experienced DIY mechanic, this is a very feasible job. The valve covers on the LS3 engine are relatively easy to access. The process involves removing the ignition coil packs 🎬 See how to remove rocker covers on LS1, LS2, and LS3 engines., disconnecting a few hoses and electrical connectors, and then unbolting the valve covers. The most important steps are thoroughly cleaning the sealing surfaces 🎬 Watch this step-by-step guide on replacing LS engine valve cover gaskets. on both the cylinder head and the valve cover before installing the new gasket.
Should I replace the valve cover bolts?
It is not usually necessary to replace the bolts themselves, but replacing the rubber grommets that seal the bolts is highly recommended. These grommets can become hard and compressed just like the main gasket, leading to leaks. Most quality gasket sets include new grommets.
My new gasket is still leaking. What went wrong?
A leak after replacement is usually caused by one of three things: the sealing surface wasn't perfectly clean of old oil and gasket material, the bolts were not torqued correctly (either too loose or too tight), or the gasket was not seated properly in the valve cover's groove before installation. Always ensure the gasket is fully seated and doesn't fall out of place during installation.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 12637683 12612045
The gasket set consists of two molded rubber gaskets, one for each cylinder bank, and typically includes new bolt grommets. The material is designed to withstand high engine temperatures and resist oil degradation.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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