Finally Replaced the Valve Cover Gasket [Merged 7-9]

[Goobdog]

I always use indian head glue, that stuff is great.

 

[timm98gst]

you do not need to remove the timing belt - it is a very easy procedure - the most important thing is to torque the bolts to between 3 and 5 ft. lbs. - i wouldn't suggest using sealant on the whole thing - that would just make a mess - use it on the bottom and top of the half moon plug and all the corners

 

[trauma2]

Whatever sealant you decide to use just make sure you use it on the valve cover side of the gasket only. Torque to specifications. This will save you time and money should your ever have to remove your valve cover for whatever reason.

 

[Defiant]

every manual i've ever read says to use it - i used rtv blue and it worked great

I challenge you to find that in a DSM manual, factory, Haynes or Chilton. They specifically advise to not use sealant on the rubber gasket, and to use it only on the shoulders of the half-moons plugging the camshaft bore holes.
With the design of the DSM valve cover gasket, it won't affect much. As many pissed-off mechanics have found, trying to use RTV on gaskets like the godawful cork-and-rubber gaskets Chevy uses for valve covers mostly serves to lubricate the material so it can slip out of place even more easily than they can when dry.

Sealant is not needed on a DSM valve cover perimeter gasket.

 

[TSI_12]

Thanks for everyone's imput. I have factory manual being shipped to me in the next couple of days. I'll see what that says and then make up my mind. Thanks again

 

[vegasjay]

I just got a new valve cover gasket does anyone know where this half moon thing that came with it goes? I'd appreciate any help. Thanks.




Jayson

 

[Quasimondo]

It goes on the left side of the cylinder head where the end of the exhaust camshaft is.

 

[Pure92TSi]

It goes in the head on the tranny side of the motor. It's right at the end of the exhaust cam. Just look you can't miss it.

 

[vegasjay]

Thanks a lot for your help guys.



Jayson

 

[lil corb]

just a quick question, when I put the ultra gray sealant on do I put it on the gasket between the valve cover and gasket or do I put it on the block then gasket on block then valvecover? basically question is where do I put sealant on? what layers? between what and what? and on only the half circle, cams and corners right?

thanks

 

[ericbev]

The believe the manual says to put it on each side of the halfcircles. A new valvecover gasket shouldnt have any problems with sealing. Throw a little dab on either side of the half circles and slap that sucker on there. Be careful when tightening the inner bolts down, you can crack your valvecover very easily.

 

[lil corb]

I read the archives and people say to put a light dab on the corners, but do you put it on block directly or on the valvecover?

 

[gstowner]

And don't over tighten any of the bolts. Or you'll strip the threads.

 

[lil corb]

so put some on the gasket when it's on the valve cover then place on head?

 

[ECLIPSE4x4]

Please use the right terminology first. It is the head, not the block.

Put the sealant on head portion.

 

[lil corb]

, I noticed I put block instead of head. Sorry
thanks

 

[jastermerrel]

When you tighten the bolts back down work your way from the center out. This helps overcome the tendency of the valve cover to crack as well.

 

[lil corb]

thanks for info guys

 

[femmeDSM]

Yeah, can't really stress enough how LITTLE you need to torque those bolts. They really will crack the VC. I usually do hand-tight, then like 1/4 turn with a wrench. Then check for leaks after a day or two, and re-tighten (just a little) if necessary.

 

[zippyshoe]

Yeah, can't really stress enough how LITTLE you need to torque those bolts. They really will crack the VC. I usually do hand-tight, then like 1/4 turn with a wrench. Then check for leaks after a day or two, and re-tighten (just a little) if necessary.

That's for sure - the Haynes manual specifies a torque of only 30 INCH-lbs (NOT foot-lbs) for the valve cover bolts!

 

[91boost]

That's for sure - the Haynes manual specifies a torque of only 30 INCH-lbs (NOT foot-lbs) for the valve cover bolts!

The service manual says 2.5 ftlb for the valve cover bolts, and 2.2 ftlb for the plastic spark plug well cover screws.

(Which of course translates to 30 inlb and 26.4 inlb respectively.)

 

[femmeDSM]

The service manual says 2.5 ftlb for the valve cover bolts, and 2.2 ftlb for the plastic spark plug well cover screws.

(Which of course translates to 30 inlb and 26.4 inlb respectively.)

...And *THAT* basically translates to "a little more than hand-tight". Lol

 

[blkGSTspider]

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i saw something like oil around valve cover gasket all arround the valve cover...
so i checked the oil level and it was 1cm below the minimum level...
in the red circle i see the gasket is melted out...
what can cause this melting valve cover gasket??
i had overheat like 7 month ago... it was fine like til 3 weeks ago... last time i check level was like 3 weeks ago...
is it ok to add any engine oil or do i have use same kind??
where can i get the valve gasket??

 

[weith1111]

Any of the vendors on here sell the gasket set, or go to your local parts store, they should be able to get it as well. Or there is always the dealer.

It's a 15 minute ordeal to change. Why it happened? The picture is kinda blurry, but it just looks old. The valve cover gaskets dry up or leak about every 60-80k miles, depending on the conditions you drive in; could be less, could be more. Rubber can't take being hot cold hot cold wet dry wet dry forever...

You can use any oil to add. 10w-30 is what's most likely in there already.

 

[TurkF26]

its kinda hard to tell but that looks like the half moon shaped rubber part that sits right there at the end of the cam shaft...