Author Topic: Changing valve cover gasket (Read 5573 times)

darknight · « **on:** October 07, 2008, 03:00:19 AM »

I did a search but the words valve, cover, gasket came back with too many useless results. I bet someone here can answer me in less than 30 seconds.

When installing a new valve cover gasket, do I need to dap silicone sealant around the cover? Do I need to lube up the rubber gasket with some oil?

I changed the gaskets on other cars but it's been a long time ago. Thanks!

nicknikolovski · « **Reply #1 on:** October 07, 2008, 03:39:23 AM »

You only need to put some sealant on the half moons at the rear of the head. Put the sealant on the actual head surface, not the gasket. And you don't need to lube the gasket either. Only do this for "o" rings.

darknight · « **Reply #2 on:** October 08, 2008, 12:49:25 AM »

Quote from: nicknikolovski;58035

You only need to put some sealant on the half moons at the rear of the head. Put the sealant on the actual head surface, not the gasket. And you don't need to lube the gasket either. Only do this for "o" rings.

Thanks very much

darknight · « **Reply #3 on:** October 12, 2008, 04:57:55 AM »

I just completed the job but had a question:

Are there any consequences to overtightening the valve cover bolts? I don't know the torque specs on the bolts so I tightened it until it was quite snug. The valve cover gasket "bulges" a bit and I don't know if that's normal.

Jimmy Lewis · « **Reply #4 on:** October 12, 2008, 11:02:53 AM »

Quote from: darknight;58323

I just completed the job but had a question:

Are there any consequences to overtightening the valve cover bolts? I don't know the torque specs on the bolts so I tightened it until it was quite snug. The valve cover gasket "bulges" a bit and I don't know if that's normal.

Well, the threads in the head strip VERY easily. If you over torqued the bolts feel lucky they didn't strip.

EN318isPDX · « **Reply #5 on:** October 13, 2008, 11:11:33 AM »

Mine are stripped because the last owner was a..... noob, what do you guys think the best way to fix a stripped valve cover?

ak96ss · « **Reply #6 on:** October 13, 2008, 11:28:03 AM »

Helicoil, M6 x 1, part number 5546-6.

Jimmy Lewis · « **Reply #7 on:** October 13, 2008, 11:30:40 AM »

Helicoils are probably the most popular way to fix the stripped threads in the head. I have one hole that is stripped, but the gasket doesn't leak so I have just left it alone. It's up to you.

Edit: ak96ss is the man btw.

ak96ss · « **Reply #8 on:** October 13, 2008, 11:59:36 AM »

Quote from: Jimmy Lewis;58392

Edit: ak96ss is the man btw.

AutoXSS · « **Reply #9 on:** December 04, 2009, 10:44:28 PM »

bringing this one back from the dead...........

does anyone have the actual torque specs for the valve cover bolts? im getting ready to do this sometime very soon. when using some sealant on the "half moons at the rear of the head" is it just to hold the gasket in place or is it cuz they are prone to leak there?

nicknikolovski · « **Reply #10 on:** December 04, 2009, 11:55:04 PM »

Right found the torque spec in the E36 Bentley manual - Cylinder Head Cover to Cylinder Head M6 bolts - 10Nm