Bent Valve Cover Corner

[ValveCoverT]

The outside rear corner of my valve cover is bent. How do I make sure it doesn't leak? Double gasket or sealant and how to do it?

Also I have a small gouge (hole) and scratches on my valve cover tube seal area. What can I use to make sure it won't leak and will still allow enough time to press in the seals (bolt+washers)? RTV or something else that is sensor safe and will work?

This is my first attempt at car repair (no equipment) and I like doing things right the first time so long as it is very inexpensive and easy to do. Thanks for your help.

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[Breezio69]

The valve cover really looks like there is nothing wrong with it. Just remember to use rtv on the cam half moons. So four small dots of rtv on the head side of the gasket and then some on the half moon piece for the other side. Its easiest to apply it to the head then press the pieces/ valve cover with gasket installed into the rtv... make sense?

Also, dont go more than hand tight or you will crack the cover. Its very easy... I think spec is 7 ft/lbs.... basically just tighten it with a screwdriver style socket. I cracked one of mine just doing it hand tight the first time.

 

[BogusSVO]

That ding will not effect the sealing of the gasket, you have a molded rubber gasket that fits in the groove.

 

[ValveCoverT]

Also, dont go more than hand tight or you will crack the cover. Its very easy... I think spec is 7 ft/lbs.... basically just tighten it with a screwdriver style socket. I cracked one of mine just doing it hand tight the first time.

Yes I am a little nervous about torquing as it's my first use of a rented, unverified torque wrench (autozone said it is ready to use). I was planning to back off the spec (52 in lbs) a little to 50 just in case the wrench is not accurate.

 

[BogusSVO]

Go to harbor freight and just buy a in/lb torque wrench and add it too your tool box, they are less than $30

 

[ValveCoverT]

That ding will not effect the sealing of the gasket, you have a molded rubber gasket that fits in the groove.

From your mouth....

Bogus that is so what I wanted to hear but was afraid there wasn't enough surface area for the gasket to seal to and would leak badly.

 

[wkmitsu]

The valve cover really looks like there is nothing wrong with it. Just remember to use rtv on the cam half moons. So four small dots of rtv on the head side of the gasket and then some on the half moon piece for the other side. Its easiest to apply it to the head then press the pieces/ valve cover with gasket installed into the rtv... make sense?

Also, dont go more than hand tight or you will crack the cover. Its very easy... I think spec is 7 ft/lbs.... basically just tighten it with a screwdriver style socket. I cracked one of mine just doing it hand tight the first time.

I wouldn't even go more than 3.0 ft-lb (36 in-lb).

 

[LiquidX]

Just using a nut driver (or socket and extension) to get the bolts just snug using 2 fingers is all it takes. The above poster is right, you are sealed by a massive rubber gasket so a bent piece of metal on the outside won't affect anything other than the perfectness of your engine bay.

The only spots that may need rtv aside from the Halfmoon would be over the cam caps where clamping pressure would be lesser. I font think I used any though on my recent replacement...

 

[Breezio69]

From your mouth....

Bogus that is so what I wanted to hear but was afraid there wasn't enough surface area for the gasket to seal to and would leak badly.

You paid attention to the gasket you pulled off right? The T shape, about 1/8" thick all the way around. The main seal of the gasket is the flat bottom and the top of the upside down t that is recessed in the valve cover... a ding that small would probably not leak if it were on the inside as well. In fact, my valve cover currently on my car looks like it was popped off with a flathead and has a ding across both surfaces, the inner and outer and I haven't had a problem in 20k miles. But that being said I have a different one stripped and ready for paint in my closet in case anything ever happens.

Basically I wouldnt lose sleep over it is all im getting at

.

 

[ValveCoverT]

You paid attention to the gasket you pulled off right? The T shape, about 1/8" thick all the way around. The main seal of the gasket is the flat bottom and the top of the upside down t that is recessed in the valve cover... a ding that small would probably not leak if it were on the inside as well. In fact, my valve cover currently on my car looks like it was popped off with a flathead and has a ding across both surfaces, the inner and outer and I haven't had a problem in 20k miles. But that being said I have a different one stripped and ready for paint in my closet in case anything ever happens.

Basically I wouldnt lose sleep over it is all im getting at

.

Thank you Breezio69 and everyone. I'm so relieved.

What about the spark plug tube seal area of the VC?

 

[DSM1G90]

Kinda wish that the VC is like the 4G37 being an even pressure type (being held just by two bolts placed will within the center part of the cover that presses the the upper surface to the lower surface evenly) instead of the corner pinch type as with the 4G63 where torque specs have to be precise, otherwise leaking is the main issue if specs aren't correct.

 

[Breezio69]

Thank you Breezio69 and everyone. I'm so relieved.

What about the spark plug tube seal area of the VC?

Im not sure what your asking here?

 

[ValveCoverT]

Also I have a small gouge (hole) and scratches on my valve cover tube seal area. What can I use to make sure it won't leak and will still allow enough time to press in the seals (bolt+washers)? RTV or something else that is sensor safe and will work?

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[BogusSVO]

Use your finger and some fine scotch brite and knock the high spots down, clean the VC of all debris, install seal and go on.