I have a *very* slow leak (more like an accumulation) around my valve cover, and am going to replace the gasket this weekend sometime. I figure the gasket is cheap, and I'm changing my oil anyway.

Is there anything in particular I should look out for? I don't think the cover is cracked, but I do know that this is common. I'll check it out when I have it apart.

What holds the valve cover on? Are they bolts or studs? Should I replace them when I replace the gasket? Can I just use standard metric hardware, or do I need something proprietary? Thanks!

 

The valve cover is held on by long bolts, which i have been told should be replaced when you do the head gasket. I personally wouldn't use generic hardware (too many things that could go wrong)
FEL-PRO Part # ES72272 set of 8 $17.77
on Rockauto.

hope this helps, I need to do this too someday soon (when the snow is gone)

 

I lived and learned after my valve cover gasket replacement..Get yourself some deep sockets because as the prevous post says it's held on with verrrry unique long collar bolts. A few tips after doing mine...1)be careful disconnecting the wire brackets from the valve cover bolt studs so you dont break them --2)DO NOT forget to replace the four spark plug seals located on the top of the valve cover!!--3)do not over torque the valve cover bolts, they are extremely flimsy and a pain to find anywhere but a dealer...--4) take your time and have fun

 

Thanks! This was really helpful. I popped one out today before ordering all the necessary parts at my local shop, and it is indeed not similar to a head bolt; I'm sure I'll be safe reusing them. And I've got all the requisite tools, including deep sockets and lightweight 1/4" torque wrenches...

Just curious: did any treat the threads on theirs on reassembly? They're very low-torque bolts (9 ft-lb), and have funny rubber boots on them; I can't quite figure out what keeps them from rattling out...

I noticed when I removed the one today that my cover might be cracked. I'm still hoping it's just seaming in the plastic, but we'll see. Fingers crossed!

 

Job done. I took pictures and will write a how-to in the fairly near future. Any questions in the meantime, please let me know!

 

did you happen to take a picture of these rubber things on the bolts?
and a preemptive thanks for the DIY

 

I did, but not super macro or anything. Think of them as VERY fat o-rings. The valve cover bolts are like ultra-mini versions of the coil pack bolts: they have the same pressed-on t-washers that limit the amount you can compress the valve cover; thus if your gasket is leaking, it's most likely NOT related to bolt torque. DIY to follow!

 

Not too sure how to upload pics so I hope this works. Here is the valve cover collar bolt.

 

interesting

 

did you make a DIY yet

i was looking at mine and i'm not excited to have to remove part of the fuel rail (it 's sitting over one of the bolts)

 

Sorry about the delay! DIY should be up soon, pending moderator approval... I wish it weren't so, but it is so. So just be patient.

 

sounds good, i'll probably be working on this in a week or two