vc bolt leakage

[PlanZero]

So I just picked up a tsi awd and there's oil leaking around all the valve cover bolts. They're aftermarket hex bolts and the PO said he just kept tightening them if they leaked. Ouch. Anyway, I found some bolts in the car that I think are the stock ones. Could someone send me a pic of the bolt and where the different sizes go. If not, when I replace the vc gasket should I put some red rtv around the bolt holes?

 

[Cruciatus111]

If the original owner kept on tightening it, I would check to see if he stripped out the bolt holes. If he did then you would have to put heli-coils in or just tap it to the next size up. As for the lengths, I think that the longer ones go on the inside of the vc so next to the spark wells, and the shorter ones are on the outside of the vc. And as for rtv, the grey one that says maximum oil resistance would be the best one to use, but I would only use a slight bit to hold the gasket to the vc, but none where it meets the head as it's not necessary.

Edit: I would also check the vc to make sure that it isn't cracked, as stripping the head would be less likely to happen

 

[nathan_spindler55]

I just replaced my valve cover gasket cause it was leaking. used a topline gasket and i used grey rtv on all of the turns and to keep the gasket on the vc and let it dry for at least 6 hours and i have no leaks anymore

 

[PlanZero]

I don't see any signs of leakage except from around the bolts, on the top of the vc. I was gonna loosen and retighten in proper sequence and torque but I'm worried the gasket is squished so bad I'll create more leaks. I just ordered a new one and it won't be here for awhile.

 

[nathan_spindler55]

they probably crushed the gasket too much they arent meant to be crushed like that so i would just maybe put some rtv on the bolts till your new vc comes in.

 

[pauleyman]

Vc gaskets are so cheap its one of those thing to just have around. Actually thats true of many gaskets.