Valve cover gasket question

[shutter]

Now that the hollidays are over, it's back to work I guess...

My valve cover gasket has a slight leak that decided to spring, so I plan to replace the gasket and do the brakes this weekend! One benefit, I should be able to really clean up the cover while it's off. I have one question since my E36 Bentley manual is in pdf form on my home comp and I'd like to place an order this afternoon....

Anyways, should I order new valve cover bolt seals? If I do, how many? ;) Looks like 16?

[Wizard]

I think there are only 14, but order an extra or 2... Sometimes they are a bitch to get over the shoulder of the bolt ( I ripped one on my last install)....Also make sure you order the 4 "spark plug" gaskets...

[shutter]

You're correct, there are 14. Counted when I got home. Thanx for the tip though for snagging extras. I knew about the plug seals, just wasn't sure if I could reuse the bolt seals. They look to be in good shape. At about a buck a piece though, probably a stupid question....

[Alpine003]

I knew about the plug seals, just wasn't sure if I could reuse the bolt seals. They look to be in good shape.

You can reuse these if they aren't deteriorated or cracked. As for your brakes, make sure you have the correct hex tool(s) to do the job.

[sheepdog]

Just use a bit of silicone and it should seal back up.

There are rubber and were meant to be able to be re-used.

[bmuser]

i didn't feel like starting a new thread, because i have the same job coming up. Where do you guys get theswe parts as in the gasket and all the bolts and all the other little parts that go into this job?

[ak96ss]

BMAparts.com is where I order everything, but I never use the web interface. I just email Yves or Patrick with my list and they send it. :)

You can also try Pelicanparts.com, a little more expensive but still good. BavAuto.com has stuff, but they are a lot more expensive, or tend to be, anyway.