about to replace valve cover gasket, should anything else be done while it is off???

[98FWDSM]

ok, i will be replacing my valve cover gasket tomorrow since it is leaking i have some extra bolts and i have to retap one hole...the only thing is, i bought allen key bolts and i dont have any way to torque the bolts...what should i do??...just reuse my stock bolts or what? the only reason that i have the other bolts is because i think that they look better but, while it is off, i will be painting it, anything special that i need to do???

Thanks

 

[IHeartTurbo]

plugs and wires

 

[khsdm]

first off, make sure u use the right paint, hi-temp is what you will need

 

[98FWDSM]

i read that one guy used a 300 degree paint and that didnt peel or anything...i got a 500 degree paint...think i will be ok??

 

[mattspyder]

well seeing how ur friend had the 300 degree paint and was fine. im sure u will be more than ok with that 500. should be good.

 

[Perch - Tsi]

I tightened mine down the same way, just using an allen key by hand,
tightened them all "really tight by hand"
(and yes, thats spec. )
and havent got any oil leaks, just give it a good crank

torque till broken, back off 1/4 turn...

 

[frigginlazer]

um... I thought the Valve Cover was supposed to be tourqed to 2.5 - 3 ft-lbs? My motor had no oil leaks prior to me getting it. drove it a week and was messing around teh motor and discovered tht my valve cover bolts were a bit loose, ie just hand tightned. I tightened them up nice and tight, (within one flognart of being stripped) and within a week I had all sorts of oil leaking out of it.

Check the V-Faq under lifters and it states 2.5-3.

I just replaced mine and torqued it to about 3, and so far no leaks, but then I am chasing a phantom knock right now so i cant really drive the hell outta it.

Mike

 

[Defiant]

The valve cover does not torque at all, and whatever the books say can be damned.
Regular Allen wrenches are more than enough to get the cover as snug as it needs to be, even using the short lever.

Oh, and don't expect this to fix your leak.

 

[97GS-TSpyder]

haah why not defiant...just in case it doesnt, what other measures should this fine dsmer take?

 

[GSX20]

you might want to change the spark plug well gaskets too.

 

[97GS-TSpyder]

adn if your that worried, take a small deepwell and slide it over the end of the allen wrench..add extensions to that....there you go..instant hugely long allen wrench...but be careful and dont overtorque

 

[heavyD]

28 inch/pounds torque after you install the new gasket. Go for a good drive and re-torque.