Oil Leak, No Start... with New Gasket & Valve Cover!

[bluelaser92]

I just replaced my valve cover on my 1.8L (cracked the old one).

Problems:
Leaking oil around the new gasket
Car turns over but doesn't start

I cleaned off all the old gasket & cleaned the replacement VC with WD-40 and steel wool, then soaked it in hot soapy water. After it dried, I inserted the new gasket and installed it. I tightened the bolts with my fingers, and then gave them an extra 1/4 turn. After trying to start the car and noticing the leak, I kept turning each bolt 1/4 turn, but it still leaked. I was afraid I would crack the new VC, so I stopped.

Before the VC cracked, the car sat for about 2 months (ECU repair), but then started right up. That's when I noticed smoke coming from the VC. I shut the car off and saw leaking oil, so I tightened down the VC and it cracked. Then the car sat for another 2-3 months while I tracked down a 1.8L VC. Finally the other day the part came in, and I installed everything like I said above, except now the car won't start.

I realize having the car sit like that isn't good... I'm just frustrated right now, going without my car for 5 months straight. Somebody please help me out...

 

[kelvinb]

stupid question, but for the 2-3 months you were waiting for the vc, did you not have anything covering the internal parts of the head?

 

[bluelaser92]

During that time the cracked cover was still on the head, and the hood stayed closed.

 

[sjgYFZ200]

Well, i'm not sure about the oil leak, but as for the car not starting...this is after an ECU swap? or repair im not sure...If it was repaired, are you sure it was done correctly? If it was swapped, are you sure you got the right one? Simple questions, but not starting after an ECU issue is usually that...

 

[bluelaser92]

The ECU was repaired, and yes the car did start after that. The repair was done correctly and very well, and the car fired right up after the ECU was reinstalled... It's only now, after installing the gasket and valve cover, that it refuses to start - even with starter fluid.

Please help me out here, guys... I'm stuck.

 

[bluelaser92]

Just finished replacing my battery. The old one was pretty bad, didn't keep a charge. Car still won't start, but seems to fire every once in a while now... I think the battery may have been part of the problem. I also bought some gasket sealer, so I guess I'll take the VC off and redo the gasket with sealant...

If you've got any other ideas please post'em... I'm still stuck.