engine
Valve Cover Gaskets - Both
for 2000 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10 · RWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
3.9 h
Tools
9
Steps
16
✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.
Replace both valve cover gaskets on the 1992 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10 engine, including removal of ignition coils, spark plug wires, and associated hardware to access both valve covers.
Warnings
⚠️Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work. Valve covers and surrounding components can cause severe burns.
⚠Do not use metal scrapers on aluminum valve cover mating surfaces. Scratches or gouges will cause oil leaks.
⚠Keep spark plug wells clean and free of debris. Foreign material entering cylinders can cause engine damage.
ℹ️This V10 engine has valve covers on both banks. Both sides must be accessed separately with slightly different component interference.
Tools required
Socket set (metric)Essential
Torque wrench (5-30 Nm range)Essential
Ratchet and extensionsEssential
Brake cleaner or degreaserEssential
Shop towelsEssential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- Valve cover gasket (driver side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Valve cover gasket (passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Valve cover bolt grommets/seals (set) × 1 — Use OEM specification
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and ensure engine is completely cool to the touch.
- Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental ignition system activation.
- Remove engine cover if equipped by lifting upward from mounting grommets.
- Have clean shop towels ready to cover open spark plug wells during gasket removal.
Procedure
- 1Remove driver side ignition coils and spark plug wiresThe 1992 Viper uses a single ignition coil with a distributor and conventional spark plug wires, not individual coils per cylinder. Disconnect the spark plug wires from the driver side bank plugs, labeling each wire's position for correct reinstallation. There are no per-cylinder ignition coils to remove on this bank. Press the release tab and pull straight up. Remove the spark plug wire boots from each spark plug by twisting gently and pulling upward. Label or note wire positions for correct reinstallation. Route the spark plug wires clear of the valve cover work area. There are no valve-cover-mounted ignition coils on this engine.
- 2Disconnect driver side electrical connections and breather hosesLocate any electrical connectors mounted to or passing over the driver side valve cover. Disconnect these connectors by pressing release tabs and moving them aside. Disconnect any PCV or breather hoses attached to the valve cover by loosening hose clamps or twisting off press-fit connections. Move hoses out of the work area.
- 3Remove driver side valve coverRemove the valve cover mounting bolts in a crisscross pattern starting from the outer bolts and working inward. There are 10 bolts securing the driver side valve cover. Note the location of any bolt grommets or seals as these should be replaced. Once all bolts are removed, gently tap the valve cover with a rubber mallet or use a plastic pry tool to break the gasket seal. Lift the valve cover straight up and away from the cylinder head. Cover the exposed cylinder head with clean shop towels to prevent debris entry.
- 4Remove passenger side ignition coils and spark plug wiresMove to the passenger side of the engine. Disconnect the spark plug wires from the passenger side bank plugs, labeling positions. There are no per-cylinder ignition coils on this bank. Remove the spark plug wire boots from each spark plug by twisting and pulling upward, noting their positions. Route the spark plug wires clear of the valve cover work area. There are no valve-cover-mounted ignition coils on this engine. The passenger side may have additional clearance challenges due to firewall proximity.
- 5Disconnect passenger side electrical connections and breather hosesDisconnect any electrical connectors and PCV or breather hoses attached to the passenger side valve cover. This side may have different routing than the driver side. Move all connections clear of the valve cover work area.
- 6Remove passenger side valve coverRemove the 10 valve cover mounting bolts in a crisscross pattern starting from the outer bolts. Note the location of bolt grommets or seals for replacement. Break the gasket seal using a rubber mallet or plastic pry tool, then lift the valve cover straight up. Cover the exposed cylinder head with clean shop towels.
- 7Remove old gaskets and clean mating surfacesCarefully remove the old gaskets from both valve covers and cylinder head mating surfaces. Use a plastic gasket scraper or non-metallic wire brush to remove all gasket material and oil residue. Never use metal tools on the aluminum surfaces. Clean all surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner and wipe dry with clean shop towels. Inspect both valve cover mating surfaces and cylinder head surfaces for warping or damage. The surfaces must be completely clean and dry for proper gasket sealing.⚠Aluminum cylinder head and valve cover surfaces are easily damaged. Use only plastic scrapers and non-metallic brushes.
- 8Inspect valve covers and spark plug wellsWith valve covers removed, inspect the spark plug wells for oil accumulation indicating previous gasket leakage. Clean any oil from the wells using brake cleaner and shop towels. Inspect valve cover bolt holes and grommets for damage. Check valve train components visible through the valve cover opening for unusual wear or debris (though do not disturb valve adjustment). Verify all old gasket material has been completely removed from cylinder heads.
- 9Install new gaskets and prepare valve coversInstall new valve cover bolt grommets or seals in each valve cover bolt hole. Position the new valve cover gasket onto the driver side valve cover, ensuring it seats properly in the gasket channel. Most gaskets have alignment features or are retained by the cover design. Do not use gasket sealant unless specifically required by the gasket manufacturer (most modern gaskets are dry-install). Repeat for the passenger side valve cover gasket.
- 10Install driver side valve coverRemove shop towels from the driver side cylinder head. Carefully lower the valve cover with gasket onto the cylinder head, ensuring the gasket remains properly positioned. Start all 10 valve cover bolts by hand, threading them in by several turns to verify correct alignment. Once all bolts are started, tighten them in a crisscross pattern from the center outward to the specified torque of 10 Nm (7 lb-ft). Work in stages, first snugging all bolts, then torquing in sequence to avoid gasket distortion.
- 11Install passenger side valve coverRemove shop towels from the passenger side cylinder head. Lower the valve cover with gasket onto the cylinder head, maintaining proper gasket alignment. Start all 10 valve cover bolts by hand. Tighten in a crisscross pattern from the center outward to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft), working in stages to ensure even gasket compression.
- 12Reconnect driver side hoses and electrical connectionsReconnect any PCV or breather hoses to the driver side valve cover, securing hose clamps as applicable. Reconnect electrical connectors that were moved aside during removal. Ensure all connections are fully seated and secured.
- 13Reinstall driver side ignition coils and spark plug wiresInstall each ignition coil back onto the driver side valve cover in its original position. Reinstall the spark plug wire boots onto each spark plug on the driver side, pressing firmly until fully seated, and route wires to their original positions. Reconnect the electrical connector to each coil until it clicks into place. Reinstall spark plug wire boots onto each spark plug, pressing down firmly and ensuring they seat completely. Install wires in the correct firing order positions noted during removal.
- 14Reconnect passenger side hoses and electrical connectionsReconnect PCV or breather hoses to the passenger side valve cover. Reconnect all electrical connectors, ensuring they are fully seated and locked.
- 15Reinstall passenger side ignition coils and spark plug wiresInstall each ignition coil back onto the passenger side valve cover. Reinstall the spark plug wire boots onto each spark plug on the passenger side, pressing firmly until fully seated, and route wires to their original positions. Reconnect electrical connectors to each coil. Reinstall spark plug wire boots onto each spark plug in the correct firing order, ensuring complete seating.
- 16Final inspection and battery reconnectionPerform a visual inspection of both valve covers, verifying all bolts are torqued, all electrical connections are secured, and all hoses are properly attached. Verify no tools or shop towels were left in the engine bay. Reinstall engine cover if equipped by pressing onto mounting grommets. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
Reassembly
- Valve cover bolts must be torqued in a crisscross pattern from center outward to prevent gasket distortion and ensure even sealing.
- Spark plug wires must be installed in the correct firing order positions to prevent engine misfire.
- All electrical connectors should click or lock into place when properly seated.
Verification
- Start the engine and allow it to idle for 5 minutes while observing both valve covers for oil leaks.
- Check around all valve cover bolt locations and gasket seams for signs of oil seepage.
- Verify engine runs smoothly with no misfires indicating correct spark plug wire installation.
- After initial run, shut off engine and recheck valve cover bolt torque when cool if any seepage is observed.
- Test drive vehicle and recheck for leaks after engine reaches full operating temperature.