Thread: HOW TO: Remove and Replace Valve Cover & Gasket (In Correct Order)

Changed my valve cover gasket because it was leaking ALOT. I was losing about half a quart of oil everytime I drove the car. Bought a new VC gasket at the stealership for $32 because I could not wait on having it shipped.

I used the FSM method of removing and replacing the valve cover. Loosened and tightened the valve cover nuts in order because I am worrywart and paranoid when it comes to my car.

Tools you will need:
Ratchet with extension
10mm socket
12mm socket
Pliers
Valve Cover Gasket

1. Pop off the spark plug wires.
2. Loosen the clamps to the PCV hose and the oil catch can hoses that go to the T.
3. Loosen the bolts that hold the oil catch can to the block and pull back the oil catch can and the tube that goes to the T(no need to remove the catch can)

Pictures to step 2 and 3




4. Loosen the Valve cover nuts in the order that is pictured below. I did it in 3 steps. First broke all of the nuts loose in order. Then loosened some more. Finally I just removed them.

Valve cover removal order



127,000 miles!!! 3000 miles on my S4 cams



5. Remove the old gasket and pack the new gasket into the grooves of the valve cover.
6. Put the Valve cover back on and place all of the nuts back in.

7. Tighten in order and in steps as pictured below. I tightened in about 6 or 7 steps Be very careful not to overtighten the nuts. They are very fragile and will snap and break on you.

Valve cover tightening order



8. Reinstall everything and you should be good to go.



Stay tuned for an injector how to and a starter how to.

Great job on the writeup, looks very well organized and great pictures

where is the step about the RTV around the half moon shapes?

You dont need to use the RTV with a new gasket. Thats only if youre reusing your old gasket which should be replaced anyway since your popping off the valve cover.

Any proof of that? Just wondering because the FSM makes mention to use RTV but it does not specifiy if or if not using old gasket. I didn't think these were even reusable?

I didnt use RTV on my 1st B14 when I changed the gasket. Never leaked one bit. This time I reused the gasket when my S4 cams were installed and I did not use RTV. The gasket was on for about 10 months prior to the cam install. Afterwards it started leaking like a mofo. So yes I take it they are not reusable

LOL

Americo.... I have nothing to say...LMAO.

Write-up info goodness!

torque is 7.2 ft/lbs according to FSM

Just to add to this, I had mine off about 1.5 years ago and re-used the gasket with RTV blue. Haven't had any leaking that I can see since. Still probably best to get a new one though.

I use RTV with a new gasket just because. All over the flat surface. Say what you want, but it cost me nothing and it ensures a good seal. If you want to go off theory, then be my guest. I always recommend a thing coating of RVT on the block side of the gasket.