Replacing Front Valve Cover Gasket?

2000 MERCURY VILLAGER
93,520 MILES • 3.3L • AUTOMATIC
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PILOTBILL
  • MEMBER
  • 88 POSTS
I have a question for you. I have a 2000 Mercury Villager Van, Automatic Transmission, A/C & Heat, 3.3L Engine, 93520 Miles. Do you have to remove the distributor before you can remove the front valve cover? It looks like one end (passenger side) of the valve cover sit right next to the distributor. The local garage guy wants $603.00 just to replace the front valve cover gasket. I already have the gasket, he said he would use it. If I have to remove the distributor, then I will go ahead and let him do it, but I think he is charging way to much. Can I remove the valve cover without removing the distributor?
Oct 29, 2026 at 8:48 AM
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MECHTRIX
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 590 POSTS
Yes" you have to remove the distributor to get a bolt out thats hiding directly beneath it evan if you could get the bolt out you still cant get the cover off becuase the distributor is blocking the cover so it won't lift out ..giid luck hope this helps
Oct 29, 2026 at 2:58 PM
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MECHTRIX
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 590 POSTS
Just a side note"


the labor time on the whole job is 1.0 to 1.5 hrs so your right that does seem a bit steep on the labor ...best of luck to you hope this helps.
Oct 29, 2026 at 7:25 PM
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