Can you drive with a blown valve cover gasket?

No, it is generally not recommended to drive with a blown valve cover gasket. A blown valve cover gasket can lead to oil leaks, engine damage, and potentially unsafe driving conditions. While it may be possible to drive short distances in some cases, it is best to have the gasket replaced as soon as possible to avoid further issues.

What is a Valve Cover Gasket?

The valve cover gasket is a critical component in an internal combustion engine. It seals the valve cover, which is the protective cover over the engine's valves, camshaft, and other components. The gasket helps to contain the engine oil within the valve cover and prevent leaks.

Causes of a Blown Valve Cover Gasket

There are several common reasons why a valve cover gasket may fail and become "blown" or damaged:

• Age and Wear: Over time, the gasket material can become brittle, cracked, or worn down, leading to leaks.


• Heat and Vibration: The high temperatures and constant vibration in an engine can take a toll on the gasket, causing it to degrade.


• Overtightening: If the valve cover is over-tightened during installation or maintenance, it can damage the gasket.


• Engine Modifications: Changes to the engine, such as adding performance parts, can put additional stress on the gasket and cause it to fail.

A blown valve cover gasket will typically result in an oil leak, which can be messy and potentially dangerous if it drips onto hot engine components or the road.

Risks of Driving with a Blown Valve Cover Gasket

Driving with a blown valve cover gasket poses several risks:

• Oil Leaks: The leaking oil can drip onto the engine, exhaust system, or road, creating a slippery and hazardous driving condition.


• Engine Damage: Continued operation with a blown gasket can allow oil to escape the engine, leading to low oil levels and potential engine damage.


• Fire Hazard: Leaking oil can drip onto hot engine components, increasing the risk of a fire.


• Emissions Issues: A blown gasket can also cause increased emissions, which may be illegal in some areas.

For these reasons, it is generally not recommended to drive with a blown valve cover gasket. The best course of action is to have the gasket replaced as soon as possible by a qualified mechanic.

Temporary Solutions and Precautions

In some cases, it may be possible to temporarily drive with a blown valve cover gasket, but this should be done with caution and only for short distances:

• Check Oil Levels: Regularly check the engine oil level and top it up as needed to ensure the engine is not running low on oil.


• Avoid High Speeds and Heavy Loads: Drive at lower speeds and avoid putting the engine under heavy load, such as towing or hauling, to minimize the risk of further damage.


• Use Sealant or Gasket Repair Kits: Some temporary sealants or repair kits may be able to help stop or slow the leak, but these are not a permanent solution.

However, these temporary measures should only be used to get the vehicle to a repair shop, not as a long-term solution. The valve cover gasket should be replaced as soon as possible to ensure the safe and proper operation of the engine.

How much would it cost to fix a valve cover gasket?

Replacing a valve cover gasket typically costs $120 to $400 at a professional shop, while the DIY cost is much lower, ranging from $30 to $120. The final price depends on the vehicle's make and model, as labor costs are the most significant variable, influenced by the ease of access to the gasket. For some vehicles, especially those with more complex engine designs, the cost can be higher. 
This video explains how much valve cover gasket replacement costs and what factors affect the price: 56sLearnToDIY360YouTube · May 26, 2025
Professional replacement

• Total cost: $120–$400 
• Parts: The gasket itself typically costs $20–$100 and is included in the professional price. 
• Labor: The primary cost driver, usually between $100 and $300. Labor rates vary depending on how difficult it is to access the gasket. For example, some V6 or V8 engines require removing the intake manifold, which increases labor time. 

DIY (Do-it-yourself)

• Total cost: $30–$120
• Parts: $20–$100
• Additional supplies: $10–$20 for cleaners, sealant, or other tools
• Labor: $0, as you are doing the work yourself 

Factors that influence the final cost

• Vehicle make and model: The complexity of the engine bay is a major factor. An older, simpler engine will be cheaper than a newer, more complex one with a turbocharger or other components that obstruct access to the gasket. 
• Engine type: V6 and V8 engines often require more time to work on than a 4-cylinder engine, especially if the intake manifold needs to be removed to reach the rear valve cover. 
• Additional parts needed: In some cases, the valve cover itself may need to be replaced if it is warped, which can add $100–$400+ to the total cost. Other parts, like spark plug tube seals or intake manifold gaskets, may also need to be replaced at the same time. 

How urgent is a valve cover gasket?

Leaking valve covers can start a chain of serious engine problems. When oil leaks through bad gaskets, the engine runs worse because parts don't get enough oil and rub against each other too much.

How long can I drive with a valve cover leak?

However, it is important to address a leak in the valve cover gasket as soon as possible. Driving a vehicle with a faulty gasket should only be done for a short period of time until it can be repaired, as it can cause damage to the engine over time.

What happens if you drive with a bad valve cover gasket?

Driving with a bad valve cover gasket can lead to oil leaks, a burning smell, and decreased engine performance, which can cause serious engine damage, misfires, or overheating if the oil level drops too low. Continued driving can also lead to a fire hazard from oil dripping on hot engine parts or the serpentine belt, and will cause the engine to run hotter and wear out faster. It is best to fix a leaking valve cover gasket as soon as possible to prevent more expensive repairs or a complete engine failure.
 
This video explains the symptoms of a bad valve cover gasket, including leaks and misfires: 56sHonest Mechanic ColoradoYouTube · Mar 21, 2024
Immediate risks and symptoms

• Oil leaks: The gasket is designed to seal the valve cover, so a bad one will leak oil. You may see visible oil on the engine and dripping onto the ground. 
• Burning oil smell: Oil leaking onto the hot exhaust manifold or other engine components will burn, creating a strong, unpleasant smell. 
• Reduced performance: The engine may run rough, misfire, or feel sluggish because of oil leaks or lower oil levels. 
• Engine overheating: If the oil leak causes the engine's oil level to drop significantly, it can lead to increased friction and overheating, potentially causing severe damage. 

Long-term consequences

• Engine damage: The lack of lubrication from low oil can cause excessive friction, damaging internal components like valves and lifters over time. 
• Fire hazard: Oil leaking onto a hot exhaust manifold or causing the serpentine belt to slip and fail can create a serious fire risk. 
• Component failure: Oil can degrade other parts like hoses, wiring, and the alternator, causing them to fail prematurely. 
• Costlier repairs: Driving with the leak will likely lead to more severe and expensive damage, potentially costing thousands more in repairs than simply replacing the gasket.