Valve Cover Replacement on 2011–2015 Chevrolet Cruze and 2016 Cruze Limited — 1.8L
A valve cover seals the top of the engine while accommodating the crankcase ventilation system. On a 2011–2015 Chevrolet Cruze or 2016 Cruze Limited with the naturally aspirated 1.8L engine, oil around the cover edge, oil in the spark-plug wells or a burning-oil smell can justify checking this area. There is no dedicated fault code that proves the cover gasket is leaking. A rough idle, whistle or check-engine light requires diagnosis before a replacement cover is selected.
This guide focuses on the 1.8L LUW/LWE application and the aluminum replacement selected under ASIN B0D6BPYSJ1. Confirm the engine using the vehicle identification and service records. The model badge alone cannot distinguish the 1.8L from the 1.4L turbo, and the new-generation 2016 Cruze must not be confused with the carryover Cruze Limited.
Intermediate: careful cleaning, connector handling and low-torque assembly
Allow 2–4 hours for a first attempt, plus cooling and diagnosis
Planning allowance: $70–$160 for a cover kit; supplies and tools extra
Work on a cold engine with the vehicle parked securely on level ground. Keep the key away, follow the vehicle’s battery isolation procedure and protect exposed wiring. Do not run the engine with the cover removed. Stop driving if oil is reaching hot exhaust components, the oil-pressure warning appears or the engine is running severely rough.
Fitment: check the engine before ordering
| Vehicle | Years and engine | How to use this information |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Cruze | 2011–2015, 1.8L naturally aspirated | Main article application; verify LUW/LWE and VIN-specific service information. |
| Chevrolet Cruze Limited | 2016, 1.8L naturally aspirated | Carryover model only; not the redesigned 2016 Cruze. |
| Chevrolet Sonic | 2012–2018, 1.8L | Related catalog application; fuel-type and year details need confirmation against the seller’s fitment selector. |
| Chevrolet Aveo / Aveo5 | 2009–2011, 1.6L | Related listing application; LXV where specified. This article is not an Aveo removal procedure. |
| Pontiac G3 / G3 Wave | G3 2009–2010; G3 Wave 2009, 1.6L | Market and engine confirmation required. |
| Saturn Astra | 2008–2009, 1.8L | Related listing application, 2H0 where specified; use Astra service instructions. |
| Chevrolet Trax | Selected non-US 1.8L applications | Seller year ranges differ. Do not use this kit for a US-market 1.4L turbo merely because the listing says Trax. |
Compare the oil-fill opening, breather connection, gasket channel, coil-module clearance, wiring-guide mounts and every bolt location before opening the engine. A similar outline is not sufficient. If the existing cover has been replaced previously, use the VIN and engine identification as well as the old part number.
The selected aluminum valve cover kit
The ASIN-linked seller description identifies an aluminum cover with a PCV assembly, gasket and bolts. It lists reference numbers 55558673 and 55564395. The manufacturer’s related APEVC0189 catalog shares those references, but the selected Amazon package and its installation sheet should be checked directly before purchase. An oil cap, coil module, spark plugs and replacement breather hose are not assumed to be included.
Aluminum construction alone does not establish longer service life or a performance improvement. Correct gasket geometry, ventilation function and hardware are more important than the material label. Check for shipping damage, loose debris, casting defects and displaced seals before installation. Retain the packaging until the repair has passed its leak check.
Check the aluminum valve cover kit on Amazon
Confirm the source of the oil or idle problem
- Clean the outside of the engine enough to identify fresh oil. Start at the highest wet point rather than assuming that oil lower down originated there.
- Inspect the oil-fill cap and nearby hoses. Oil spilled during filling can spread across the cover and resemble a gasket leak.
- Check the plug wells before removing spark plugs. Standing oil should be removed so it cannot fall into a cylinder when a plug is taken out.
- Record any stored codes and freeze-frame information before clearing them. A code is a starting point for testing, not a shopping list.
- If there is a whistle or unstable idle, inspect the ventilation hose, its connector and other intake leak paths. Have a technician test crankcase pressure or intake leakage when the source is uncertain.
A gasket-only repair may be reasonable when the original cover is sound and its ventilation assembly functions correctly. A cracked cover, damaged sealing groove or failed integrated ventilation component changes that decision. Replacing the entire cover will not repair an unrelated intake leak, an ignition fault or excessive engine blow-by.
Tools and supplies
These are exact product links for practical tool choices. Buy only what the inspected vehicle and the replacement kit require. Have lint-free cleaning cloths, suitable cleaner, a small catch tray and the correct coil-removal equipment available as well; the table is not a guarantee that every required item comes in one kit.
| Tool or Supply | Exact Product | Product Link | Purpose and Selection Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valve cover kit | A-Premium aluminum 1.6L/1.8L kit — B0D6BPYSJ1 | Check selected kit | Compare the exact engine, casting, breather port and supplied hardware. The 1.4L turbo uses a different cover. |
| Metric sockets and ratchet | TEKTON SKT15301, 46-piece 3/8-inch set | View socket set | For conventional metric fasteners and access work; it does not replace external Torx sockets. |
| External Torx sockets | NEIKO 04300A, 14-piece E4–E24 set | View E-Torx set | Match the original or replacement bolt heads exactly. E10 uses 3/8-inch drive in this set. |
| Internal Torx bits | LEXIVON LX-143, 13-piece T8–T60 set | View Torx bits | For recessed star fasteners where fitted. An internal Torx bit and external E-socket are different tools. |
| Low-range torque wrench | LEXIVON LX-180, 1/4-inch, 10–150 in-lb | View torque wrench | Its range includes the factory 71 in-lb reference. Follow the aluminum kit’s approved instructions for its bolts. |
| Drive adapter | TEKTON SHA04101, 1/4-inch female to 3/8-inch male | View adapter | Connects the small torque wrench to 3/8-inch sockets without a sideways offset. |
| Thread sealant | GM 12346004, 50 cc pipe sealant | View thread sealant | Factory reference for the specially identified cover bolt. Confirm the current supplied product and whether the aftermarket kit requires it. |
| Surface cleaning aid | KUSUFEFI plastic scraper set with 60 plastic blades | View plastic scrapers | Use gently on stubborn gasket residue; prevent debris entering the engine. Never substitute a powered abrasive disc. |
| Eye protection | DEWALT DPG82 Concealer goggles, one pair | View goggles | Protect against debris and splashes. Match chemical protection to the cleaner’s label. |
| Code reader | ANCEL AD310 black OBD-II scanner | View scanner | Record codes and freeze-frame information. Basic code reading does not prove a PCV or valve-cover failure. |
Budget and repair planning
The figures here are planning estimates, not live seller prices or a labor-time quotation. Allow roughly $15–$50 for consumables beyond the cover, depending on what is already available. A first-time buyer may spend another $80–$200 on reusable tools. A shop estimate should separate the cover, diagnosis, labor and any damaged hose or ignition components.
Ask whether the quoted price includes cleaning oil from the plug wells and checking the engine after warm-up. A low parts price can become expensive if the wrong engine variant is ordered or a brittle connector breaks during removal. Leave time to source a replacement connector or hose instead of forcing a damaged part back into service.
Replacement workflow
1. Prepare and document the original layout
Photograph the wiring route, breather connector and bolt positions before disassembly. Protect painted surfaces and clear a clean bench for the new cover. Lay out removed hardware in position so different bolts or brackets cannot be confused. Avoid placing loose hardware on the intake or near exposed engine openings.
2. Remove the parts attached to the cover
The factory 1.8L procedure removes the ignition coil module, releases the harness guides and disconnects the ventilation tube before removing the cover’s 11 bolts. Lift the coil squarely with the specified removal equipment. Release connector locks instead of pulling on wires. Remove the cover only after every fastener and attachment has been accounted for.
3. Inspect and clean
Keep debris out of the exposed engine and do not use the cylinder head as a lever point. Check for a torn gasket, damaged cover and oil tracks that help explain the leak. Clean the sealing surface without gouging it. Account for every cloth or temporary opening protector before assembly. Replace damaged connectors or hoses rather than hiding them under the new cover.
4. Compare the kit and install the seal
Seat the new gasket fully in its groove and compare all ports and mounts with the removed assembly. The factory procedure calls for thread sealant on the specific bolt labeled 4 in its diagram, using GM 12346004. This is a diagram callout, not a tightening-sequence number. Use the linked diagram to identify it; do not coat every bolt or the entire gasket with sealant.
5. Tighten with the correct instructions
The factory 2013 LUW/LWE reference is 8 N·m (71 in-lb) for the 11 cover bolts and the same value for the two coil-module bolts. These are factory-assembly values. Confirm that the aluminum kit’s manufacturer approves them for its supplied bolts, seals and spacers before applying them. Do not invent a numbered tightening order or substitute foot-pounds for inch-pounds.
6. Reconnect and check
Reconnect the ventilation tube, wiring guides and coil electrical connection, ensuring that each lock engages. Check the oil level and restore the battery connection according to vehicle instructions. Verify that nothing remains in the engine bay near moving parts. Start the engine only after the assembly is complete and any specified sealant waiting time has elapsed.
Inspect the cover perimeter and plug-well area for fresh leakage, then listen for an abnormal whistle or rough idle. Shut down promptly if something is wrong. After a short drive and full cool-down, inspect again. Do not automatically tighten the bolts further to address a leak; find a displaced seal, damaged surface or ventilation issue first.
Common mistakes
- Ordering by Cruze or Trax model name without confirming engine displacement.
- Using 1.4L turbo instructions for the 1.8L cover.
- Applying sealant everywhere instead of where the applicable instructions specify it.
- Using a large torque wrench whose accurate range does not cover these small fasteners.
- Forcing the coil module or breaking a breather-hose lock.
- Treating a new metal cover as a cure for any rough idle or recurring oil leak.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to change the oil or coolant?
A cover-only repair does not automatically mean a fluid service is required. Check the oil level and the condition of the oil, and address any contamination separately. Do not open the cooling system simply because another engine’s valve-cover tutorial does so.
Can I reuse the old gasket?
Use the new gasket specified for the replacement cover. A compressed or hardened old gasket can undermine the repair, and a gasket designed for the original plastic cover may not match an aftermarket aluminum groove.
Will a cover replacement clear a fault code?
Only if the diagnosed fault actually originated in the cover assembly. Save the original diagnostic information, complete the applicable testing and verify the repair afterward. Clearing a code by itself does not establish that the fault has been corrected.
What if the aluminum cover instructions conflict with the factory manual?
Stop and ask the cover manufacturer to resolve the difference for the supplied hardware. Do not average torque values or guess at sealant placement. A replacement that cannot be installed with a clear, compatible procedure should not be forced onto the engine.