Fordfan2006

How long did it take you do change your valve cover gaskets on your 5.4? I'm looking for a time frame to expect them done in. Thanks I'll be doing mine Hopefully tomorrow and I want to know how long I should expect them to take,

Jbrew

You mean Cam Cover gaskets ? Sorry, had to...

Jbrew

Not sure, shouldn't be too bad. These engines usually don't go through cam cover/valve cover gaskets unless there was a problem internally at some point, - or the covers were removed in the past for other reasons.

Actually that's for 98 + years. Gaskets weren't upgraded for the 97's. That didn't happen until 98 with ALL gaskets for that engine.

Cleaning and prepping correctly will most likley take the most time. Unless you run into a stripped bolt on the cover. I've heard that can happen with these covers in the past.

Ford Fan#1

the only thing that I can think of would be the low oil light coming on once. The dealer said they changed the oil and filter and sent the original owner on his way. Other then that I can't think of anything that would have made the valve covers start leaking that you mentioned. Maybe just old age and high miles? When I talked to the original owner on the phone he said his dad worked on it for him since he was a mechanic. Then again. He lied to me about something that happened to the truck when I mentioned it. ( broken steering gear and ford said that he refused to have it fixed there )

Jbrew

Do you have two user names or something ?

If so that's total BS. You should be axed lol.

Ford Fan#1

nah. Haha. That's my brother. ( we have to share the truck and he is busy so I am replying for him at the moment )

Jbrew

Oh, huh, guess that's a fresh one. No rule against that lol.

Ford Fan#1

yeah haha. I have it in my signature that we are brothers. Have you ever changed the valve cover gaskets on a 10th gen 5.4?

Jbrew

Not me, only time I've seen them replaced is when new covers were going on...or aftermarket.

Mr. Beef Gravy

To do it right, I would say 3 hours. I like to clean and inspect as I go. I found cracked hoses and such I replaced on the way.
Make sure you clean the old gasket away completely from both mating surfaces or the leak will come right back.

I wouldn't say its common but I have seen maybe a dozen or so need it. In my experience, it has to do with millage and age.