So the dealer wants to replace my valve cover gaskets

[OregonApe]

Took my 2015 3.8 in yesterday for an oil change (because screw those lower covers). Amongst the upsell items was $1,700 for new left and right valve cover gaskets.

Seems like a lot for what looks like $65 of OEM parts. I'm not the most mechanically inclined guys but I'm learning. I just pulled and rebuilt the carb stack on my outboard and this doesn't look any worse, plus there is at least one decent youtube video of a guy replacing the passenger's side gaskets.

I guess my main question is whether I am ordering everything I need. I couldn't tell if is a left and right version of the oil filler valve cover 24570-3C110.0

 

[Andyj]

Are your valve cover gaskets leaking oil? How many miles on the car?

 

[OregonApe]

Are your valve cover gaskets leaking oil? How many miles on the car?

About 138,500 miles. I'll have to take a look. I didn't notice any mess. I suppose I shouldn't assume they weren't just lying to me.

 

[OregonApe]

Are your valve cover gaskets leaking oil? How many miles on the car?

Ok, so I went out and took a look. The passenger's side valve cover is dry and clean (I mean, dusty but clean for 138K miles). The driver's side valve cover is oily on top of the cover but not below which makes me question whether it is the main outer gasket because I don't see how leaking oil would be flowing up against gravity. Maybe it is the inside 3 piece gasket. I'm not sure.

I'm not going to lie, the idea of removing the intake manifold to get in there doesn't appeal, but neither does $1700. I suppose a local shop would probably be cheaper.

I'm not sure why they also said the passenger's side needs to be replaced unless they are just assuming that the driver's side is leaking so you might as well do the passenger's side too.

 

[joegr]

Where you need to look is between the valve covers and the exhaust manifolds, and in the valley under the intake manifold. There will not be too much oil to see as the exhaust will burn most of it off.