[ddillenger]

When I bought my truck the first thing I did was the pcv, valvecover gaskets, and upper timing chain gaskets. I also did the vanos solenoid seals while I was in there. I say DIY. It wasn't THAT bad.

Advice:

Replace the PCV valve and associated hoses if they are old/collapsed/soggy.
Remove the ducting to the cabin filter/cowling.
Replace the non return valves while you're in there.
Throw a new cam chain tensioner in there as well (has to come out anyway, passenger side).

 

[ddillenger]

Are you doing the LOWER timing chain cover gasket, or just the uppers? I did the uppers. You can do the guides without any special tools, I saw a DIY on a BMW. He held the chains in place using zip ties. Do some googling!

The NRV's sit behind the solenoids, so replacing the solenoids is a different process.

 

[ddillenger]

I didn't do my chain guides, just the stuff I listed above

 

[ddillenger]

The upper gaskets are rubber, much like the valvecovers. They shrink and leak. The lower gaskets are metal. They are much less likely to leak. It makes perfect sense to do just the uppers.

 

[ddillenger]

My motor was filthy. I did JUST the uppers (and valvecover gaskets). I am leak free.