Can I replace the valve cover grommets without changing the valve cover gasket?

I've noticed some oil leaking from the grommet.
Valve cover gasket looks fine.
Just want to make sure if i remove and replace one at a time, it wont loosen the valve cover gasket and then a future leak develops.

 

You mean the grommets on the cover bolts?

I've done that no problem. Replaced 3 of them. I would suggest doing one at a time, otherwise you want to take them all out and follow the order per the manual as far as which to tighten 1st, 2nd etc.

Btw I'm not sure you can replace just the grommets. The rubber may rip when going through the bolt, since the bolts have a stop for the grommets. If you order new bolts, they come with grommets already installed, and they're cheap.

 

hmmm,...I ordered just the grommets. I thought it was as simple as sliding out the old and slide in the new.

so the grommets and bolts are one piece?

 

hmmm,...I have the grommets. I thought it was as simple as sliding out the old and slide in the new.

 

Yea I did the same originally. There are ~3 that are visible with the hood up and mine were all dirty / darkened / stained / whatever. Purchased new grommets and bolts after the dremmel couldn't polish them enough to my liking with a wire brush.

As it turned out, the bolts came with grommets pre-installed. IIRC the bolts have a stop (ring) that prevents the grommets from falling out. This ring is slopped on one end allowing a grommet to be pushed in, but not out once it's in. Looks like it might rip the grommet's rubber if forced out, but a new one might go in undamaged. Since I had new bolts with grommets, I didn't fool around with the old ones.

Give one a try - doesn't matter if old grommet rips so long as the new one doesn't. If it does just order a bolt and it's an easy swap.

 

Thanks, i'll give it a try tonight.