Valve Cover Gaskets?

[GP1138]

So I picked up a Z34 this weekend, and the owner told me it's leaking oil from the rear valve cover, and that the gasket is in the car.

Would this be the rear cam carrier, or something else, and how would I go about searching here to find at least vague instructions on how to fix it?

Thanks!

[Carlspike]

Yes that would be the cam carrier cover gasket. It's called that because it's a (dual) overhead cam engine. I've never done one. but my chilton's says to remove the plenum, right side timing belt cover, spark plug wires, and the oil/air seperator hose in that order. It shouldn't be too difficult. Hope that helps.

[bve32k]

Carlspike is right. It is called a valve cover for some reason. I call it a cam cover. You don't have to remove the whole timing belt cover though. Just the top part. Only 2 screws hold that part on.

[GP1138]

Few questions about this:

1.) The plenum removal process: should I drain the coolant, or will there be a lot of spillage if I don't?

2.) Plenum removal: the FSM calls to remove the fuel lines from the rail??? Can I just remove the rail with injectors and set it aside?

3.) The plenum gaskets are dry, right? I don't need any RTV or anything? Chris White93 pretty much answered this for me, but I want a wide range of opinions.

4.) Spark plugs: the last owner had platinum plugs. I should just put plain old ACD's in, correct?

5.) I broke the vacuum line that goes into the pass. side of the front valve cover. Should I source this part from a junkyard, or should I get this new, if possible?

6.) There is NO... question 6.

7.) This is a biggie. Should I change the timing belt and retime it to stock while I'm doing all of this? I have new Fel-Pro intake gaskets to install as well, so I figured I'd do them all at once, but will I have to remove all of this again once it's time to retime and put a new timing belt on? If I do, do I reuse the valve cover gaskets?

Sorry about all the questions, but I'm a 3.4 DOHC newb that wants to learn. I love this motor so far, it's just a little more intricate to work on than the 3.1L.

Also, here's the timing belt. Does it look terrible?

[93Oldsdroptop]

1. Drain some coolant out, about a gallon I would think.
2. Yes
3. No RTV is necessary for use with the intake gaskets.
4. Personally, I run AC Rapid Fire 8's in my LQ-1.
5. Is this the breather line you are talking about that goes into the valve cover? I would just go to the J/Y and get one.
7. If you have the time and tools, why not?

Good luck!