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VC100 Valve Cover Installation Guide: 1989-1998 12V 5.9L Dodge Cummins

Installation Guide · VC100

Installation Guide

Valve Covers - 1989-1998
12V 5.9L Dodge Cummins

Part Number VC100 1989-1998 · 12V 5.9L Cummins

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Kit Includes

  • 6× valve covers
  • 6× gaskets
  • 6× bolts & O-rings

Tools

  • Ratchet
  • 15mm socket, plus 13mm (1989-1993) or 19mm (1994-1998) socket
  • 1/4" hex drive socket
  • Rubber mallet
  • Optional: assembly lubricant
  • Optional: penetrating oil for stuck covers

Step-by-Step Installation

Loosen and Remove Stock Valve Covers

Start by removing the decorative name plate that sits over the valve covers. It's removed by loosening two nuts: 13mm on 1989-1993 trucks or 19mm on 1994-1998 trucks.

Black Dodge Cummins valve covers with two red arrows pointing to the name plate fasteners.
Image: Stock Dodge Cummins valve covers. Red arrows identify the two name plate fasteners.

Using a 15mm socket, remove the 6 factory valve cover bolts. The factory valve covers should lift off. If stuck, lightly tap the sides with a rubber mallet until they break free.

Wide view of the Dodge Cummins engine bay during valve cover removal.
Image: Wide engine-bay view showing the six individual valve cover positions.

Prepare Valve Covers for Installation

On the heads, clean the gasket mating surfaces and bolt holes of any dirt, debris, or old gasket material.

Close-up of an exposed Cummins valvetrain and the gasket mating surface around the opening.
Image: Close-up of the exposed valvetrain, bolt hole, and gasket mating surface to be cleaned.

Install the provided gaskets onto the XOTIC PERFORMANCE covers. Optionally, dab assembly lubricant in a few spots between the valve covers and gaskets to help hold them in place during installation.

Three red XOTIC Performance valve covers on a blue mat while gloved hands install a white gasket.
Image: White gaskets fitted to the lower edges of three red XOTIC Performance valve covers.

Fit the provided O-rings onto the new bolts before placing them into their holes. Assembly lubricant can be used on the bolts and O-rings for smooth torquing and a tight seal.

Install New Valve Covers

Install the new valve covers, starting with the rearmost cover and working forward. The single valve cover with an oil fill cap should be installed on the frontmost cylinder for ease of access.

Red XOTIC Performance valve covers installed in an engine bay. A yellow arrow and label say: Oil fill valve cover goes in front.
Image: Installed red valve covers. A yellow arrow marks the front oil-fill cover and reads, "Oil fill valve cover goes in front."

Torque Spec

18 ft-lbs

Using a 1/4" drive hex socket, torque all valve cover bolts to 18 ft-lbs.

Mechanic torquing a bolt on red XOTIC Performance valve covers in the engine bay.
Image: A mechanic torques the newly installed red valve covers. A XOTIC Performance card is displayed in the engine bay.

Check for Leaks

Start and idle the engine. Verify there are no visible oil leaks from the gasket surfaces.

Once satisfied, stand back and admire the instant improvement to your engine bay.

Product & Installation Videos

These videos supplement the written guide. Refer to the instructions and torque specifications above for installation. Third-party reviews and showcases are labeled separately.

Third-party product showcase

12V Cummins valve cover showcase — slowaf_12v

Watch on YouTube

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Need Help?

For technical support, please email:

support@xotic-performance.com

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XOTIC Performance · VC100 Installation Guide
Document reference: 2026.09.05 · Source pages 1-4 of 4
www.xotic-performance.com
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