Hey all! Just joined the forum. I've got a 1997 Mazda 626 V6 ES Auto (USDM KL engine), and it needs valve cover gaskets. I realize I'm going to need to remove the intake manifold, so I was wondering what other jobs I should take care of while I've got it off. So far in my RockAuto cart I've got the VCGs (including 10 little brass-looking pieces that I'm not familiar with if someone wants to explain those), PCV valve, PCV grommet, intake manifold gaskets, spark plugs and wires, and a distributor (cap and rotor).

For reference, the car was my friend's grandma's, and she stopped driving 5-10 years ago. His dad then took the car to work once a week to keep it moving. It's got 58k miles on it, and they've replaced a lot of parts to maintain it on pretty much everything but the engine itself (they've done oil changes, I just mean additional parts). The valve cover gaskets were going when I bought it (intermittent misfire), but I think I'm the first person to ever rev this thing to 7k rpm, and I blew them out haha!

Any advice is appreciated!
Thanks!

 

Some Mazda V6's have water lines/pipes running thru the V. Something to check out.

 

Good call. Thanks!