anyone ever have problems with vc bolts loosening?

[PlanZero]

When I got my Tsi there was oil leaking out from the valve cover. The po told me he'd just tighten the bolts (I know, I know). The gasket was totally smashed, so I replaced it and snugged it down in sequence. Held fine for months, then today when I popped the hood there was oil everywhere. In the spark plug valley, on the exhaust mani shield, etc. I realized almost all the vc bolts were loose. Now, the po had aftermarket bolts (hex design) when I got the car, and I'm blaming them for not staying put. I retightened the bolts (about a 1/2 turn after snug), ordered new OEM bolts and a new gasket. I see these bolts for sale from various vendors, and I'm just wondering if anyone else has this problem.

 

[synthetek]

I have had the socket cap bolts for years and have never had a problem. I always re tighten them a few days after installing them. You have to make sure they are tight enough but not too tight to crack the VC.

 

[PlanZero]

OK, thanks. I never retightened them, but it was a few months ago. I find it odd that this happened sometime in the the last week, and they're almost all loose. Could something else cause this? Either way, I already ordered new bolts. Just for future reference, is there an official sequence to the order of the bolts? My Haynes manual only lists a specific order for the 420a.

 

[synthetek]

If a bolt is too loose to begin with vibration and stuff is just going to make it more loose over time.