I'm trying to remove my valve covers on my z24... 2.4 I have unbolted them but front part of cover seems to be still bolted maybe threw the front.. or are they just stuck on.. I can get it loose but something seems to be holding it down.. thanks steve:eek:

Covers - plural.. so you have the twin cam?
There should be ten fasteners (five on each side of each cover - see the diagram) and it should be able to be pryed up. Try slight leveraging and wiggle the valve cover while prying. Those gaskets often stick, actually baking onto the mating surface. If the gasket has become brittle, don't lose and small pieces into the engine while lifting.

5194

Covers - plural.. so you have the twin cam?
There should be ten fasteners (five on each side of each cover - see the diagram) and it should be able to be pryed up. Try slight leveraging and wiggle the valve cover while prying. Those gaskets often stick, actually baking onto the mating surface. If the gasket has become brittle, don't lose and small pieces into the engine while lifting.

5194 Thanks captain rich I just wanted to make sure there were no other bolts.. thanks for the diagram its very helpful.. thank you steve

CaptainRich, can you also provide labels for the image, i.e. 12=lifter. I am curious as to what 14 and 16 are. I think 17 is the timing chain cover, but I might have it backwards.

You are correct that #12 is a lifter.
#14, 15 and 17 are the timing cover, front and rear. #16 is the crank seal.
Note: This artwork may depict some components that are out of position and may not be to scale. Experience with engine overhaul and re-timing will become critical.
This particular engine overhaul isn't always taken on by a novice tech.
Do you have any manual available?

I do have a manual (Haynes). But I have decided to have the dealership that I bought the car from take a look at it, since I have only put 5000 miles on it since I bought it. Do you know anything about the lemon law?

Do you know anything about the lemon law?

I do know a little.
Most state's legislation designed to protect the consumer, also serves to protect the retailer. Check with local laws regarding your concern.

If the vehicle in question has to be brought to the same service facility, and all information regarding the vehicle's faulty condition has been documented (i.e.: when does the fault occur, engine temperature, driving conditions, brand of fuel, etc) and repair attempts (some times as many as three subsequent attempts) have not addressed your original problem, you may need arbitration.
Before that happens, you need to thoroughly examine what you perceive as a problem and what may actually be a problem: is the system in question actually functioning properly? Does the vehicle problem appear to be from lack of maintenance or repair?. and other questions such as this.

The best thing you could do if you're having a problem with your car is often to return it to where you bought it and let them diagnose your concern. Make certain you share as much as you can about the how's and why's. Check their service departments technical credentials: do the tech's have any training on your vehicle or the area of your vehicle that seems to have the problem. You will be asked questions, so prepare to ask a few to protect yourself, your vehicle and your own time.

Good luck!

Thank you captain rich. I will look into the local laws on this. I think it may qualify, since I am almost certain that valve lifters are essential to the safe operation of the vehicle.

Well, I just heard back from the dealership on my car. They informed me that I need a new engine. Does this sound right? Doesn't that mean that there should have been a new engine before they sold it? They told me they will discount the cost of the engine, discount the labor for installing it and have the dealership make a "good will payment" to help cut the cost down. Should I have them do this, or should I try to get my money back for the car and get a new car?